Charges dropped in concealed weapon case following gas station altercation

The Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney's office on Tuesday dropped the charges of unlawful weapon use against James H. "Junior" Swift.

Swift was facing the charge after being involved in an altercation last November when he was accused of reaching into his car and putting his gun in his waistband following an argument about moving his car at a gas station.

Swift had a license to carry a concealed weapon. At issue was whether he deliberately displayed the weapon in a angry or threatening manner, a legal requirement for the charge.

"This is a victory for second amendment rights," said Allen Moss, Swift's lawyer. "It's a victory for those that support conceal-carry law. This gentleman put his freedom and reputation on the line to stand up for his rights, and we think that's admirable."

Swift was in court Tuesday awaiting a judge's decision about whether he would stand trial when word came down that the charges were dismissed.

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