By BILL POWELL

Herald Staff Writer



JASPER — The Jasper Police Department charged a man with a felony count of criminal recklessness with a firearm after he accidentally discharged a handgun inside the Walmart Supercenter this morning.



Officers were called to the 4040 Newton St. location at 10:28 a.m. Upon arriving, the officers learned a handgun accidentally discharged in the front portion of the store.



Authorities said Kenneth D. Pirtle, 65, of 323 Dogwood Court, Dale, was responsible.



Pirtle told officers he was carrying a .40 caliber handgun in his front pocket. Police determined there were other articles in Pirtle’s pocket that might have played a factor in the handgun accidentally discharging.



Police said Pirtle told them he placed his hand into his pocket to retrieve an article when the firearm discharged.



Authorities said the round exited Pirtle’s pant leg, struck the vinyl/concrete floor where it richocheted up and lodged in a wall.



Pirtle suffered minor burns to his leg but refused medical treatment, police said.



No other injuries were reported.



The investigation into the incident is continuing.



Contact Bill Powell at bpowell@dcherald.com.



