By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
An accidental gunshot in a Hays apartment building recently led to an arrest that included drug- and firearm-related charges.
At approximately 12:36 a.m. Feb. 18, Hays Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of West 27th St. on the report of a shot having been fired into an apartment, according to Police Chief Don Scheibler.
The victim was reportedly sleeping when the bullet struck a television. and went into the wall.
After investigating the scene officers discovered the bullet had come from a neighboring apartment, home to Austin James Rozean, 23.
"He had been manipulating an AR-15 rifle when the rifle accidentally discharged, going through the window and into the next wall," Scheibler said.
Due to the incident, a search warrant was obtained for the apartment.
"Weapons, drugs and drug paraphernalia were located inside the apartment," Scheibler said.
In all, three rifles were found in the apartment along with a "large" amount of ammunition, methamphetamine and marijuana, he said.
He said charges are pending for criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, drug possession, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal discharge of a firearm.