A retired Pasco County sheriff's deputy has been accused of trying to kill his wife, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said 51-year-old William Tinny of Spring Hill fired a gun at his wife, Rebecca, after an argument early Wednesday morning. She was not injured.



Deputies said the couple began arguing the previous evening, with Rebecca retreating to the bedroom with one of her children. Deputies said William later woke up his wife and they argued again.

Deputies said William told his wife he would "put an end to her." The argument escalated to the point where he told her he was going to kill her, according to deputies.

Deputies said while William left the master bedroom to get a gun, Rebecca and the child locked the bedroom door. Deputies said William, armed with a Taurus 1911 45 caliber pistol, forced his way into the bedroom by breaking the door frame.

Deputies said William pointed the gun at his wife, at which time she pushed his arm away. Deputies said William fired the gun, just missing his wife's head, striking the wall over the bed.

Deputies said Rebecca’s adult son heard her screams for help and wrestled the gun away from Tinny.

Investigators said the gun malfunctioned and did not cycle a second round, preventing it from being fired a second time.

Tinny was apprehended on scene by deputies and transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.