Callaway County deputies arrest man accused of firing gun along US Highway 54

Callaway County deputies arrested Earnest Nichols, 34, early Monday morning after officers saw a pistol being fired five times in the air.

Deputies said they were parked on South Summit Drive adjacent to US Highway 54 near Holts Summit when they saw a car park 100 feet away from the officer’s vehicle. Officers watched as Nichols and another person got out of the car and shot the gun.

Officers said the investigation revealed that the pistol malfunctioned and jammed as the shots were being fired.

Deputies said they also discovered that the pistol was reported stolen out of Cole County in 2011.

Nichols was taken to the Callaway County Jail where he posted a $5,000 bond. He faces possible charges of unlawful use of a weapon and stealing.