PINELLAS PARK, Fla., Nov. 25 (UPI) -- A Pinellas Park man accidentally shot himself in the head Tuesday during an argument with his wife, causing his death.

Police said Dennis Emery, 57, and his wife were arguing when he pulled out a gun and pointed it at one of the couple's dogs.


"At some point, Emery started to release the hammer back to a safe position," Pinellas Park Police spokesman Sgt. Adam Geissenberger told WFLA-TV, Tampa, Fla. "He pointed the gun at his face while he was lowering the hammer and the firearm discharged, striking him in the face."

Emery was declared dead on the scene by paramedics.

Police said the couple was fighting because Emery couldn't find his lighter.

Pinellas Park Police have had 34 encounters with Emery since 2012, including arrests for domestic battery and aggravated assault.