Rifle discharges, killing man outside gunsmith

(Tulsa) - Police say a 54-year-old man died today when a gun discharged as he removed it from his truck. <br><br>The accident happened outside a Tulsa gunsmith where authorities say the man was taking

Tuesday, March 27th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa) - Police say a 54-year-old man died today when a gun discharged as he removed it from his truck.

The accident happened outside a Tulsa gunsmith where authorities say the man was taking the high-powered Ruger rifle for repair. Police say they found a note attached to the gun stating that something was lodged in the barrel and that the gun was jammed.

The man's name won't be released until his relatives can be notified.

Tulsa police Sergeant Tim Bracken says the man grabbed the gun by its barrel and pulled it toward him. He says it appeared the trigger hung up on a tool belt causing the gun to fire.

Authorities say the man was struck once in the chest. Employees of the store called 9-1-1, but authorities say the man died before the ambulance arrived.