
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 24, 1995                   TAG: 9503240090
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: GROTTOES                                LENGTH: Short

SHOT OFFICER DISPUTES `QUICK-DRAW' CONCLUSION

Grottoes Police Chief Charles K. Lawhorne has disputed allegations that he and officer David Broad were playing quick-draw when Broad accidentally shot him in the chest Feb. 17.

Broad will face a misdemeanor charge of reckless handling of a firearm in the shooting, Rockingham County Commonwealth's Attorney Douglas T. Stark said Wednesday, calling the shooting more than ``simple negligence or poor judgment.''

Stark said Broad and Lawhorne were ``handling unloaded firearms in a manner designed to demonstrate the quickness with which the firearm could be drawn from the holster.''

Lawhorne said Wednesday that Stark's description of the incident was not accurate. He said he had been training Broad in drawing the weapon. ``All I know is, he did shoot me ... I just don't know how he shot me,'' Lawhorne said.

If convicted, Broad could be sentenced to 12 months in jail and fined $2,500.

Lawhorne said he could not comment on what the charge may mean for Broad's future with the Grottoes Police Department.

Broad remains on administrative leave with pay.

by CNB