Man arrested for displaying handgun

A 36-year-old Summerland Key man was arrested Friday afternoon for illegally displaying a handgun.

Joseph Earl Skiver was charged with carrying a concealed weapon without a license and improper exhibition of a firearm.

Deputies Michael Watkins and Alexandra Davis were called to the 24000 block of the Overseas Highway on Summerland Key about 12:25 p.m. regarding a trespassing complaint. The owner of Professional Marine reported that Skiver had been yelling obscenities and that he had been having issues with Skiver.  The deputies arrived to see a truck with two men leaving the nearby Shell gas station. Both men and the truck matched the description provided by the business owner. While the deputies made a U-turn to follow the suspect vehicle, a man screamed at the deputies, warning them that the men in the pickup truck had a gun.

The deputies followed the pickup truck and it pulled over on Airport Drive. Skiver was the passenger. Deputy Davis asked if there was any firearms in the truck. Skiver said there was. Deputy Davis found a revolver on the passenger side floor board. Deputy Davis asked Skiver if he had a concealed carry license. Skiver stated he did not. Skiver stated he was transporting the weapon from a safe deposit box to a relative’s house. Deputy Davis educated Skiver on the proper way to transport a firearm if he has no concealed carry license.

Back at the business, Deputy Jon Riggs spoke to the business owner further. The victim stated Skiver had been yelling and cursing at him that day. The victim stated that at one point, Skiver lifted his shirt and displayed a handgun that was tucked in his waistband. The victim’s description of the handgun matched the handgun found in the pickup truck.