Tinley Man Proves Beer and Guns Don't Mix

A man who police said accidentally fired his sidearm last week after tipping back a few cold ones in his apartment was charged with reckless conduct.

were called around 1:20 p.m. May 26 to an apartment complex in the 7300 block of Sandalwood Drive, after getting a report that a gunshot was heard there. When they arrived, they spoke to Charles A. Graham, 62, who said he "accidentally fired a round from his revolver out his sliding glass door," the report said.

He showed police the gun—a .45 caliber revolver—and they opened the cylinder to find one spent Winchester birdshot, they said.

Graham told police he was sitting in his recliner, watching TV and cleaning the weapon when he accidentally discharged it. But police said they noticed a strong odor of alcohol on the man's breath.

Graham admitted to having a couple of beers while cleaning the gun, they said, but a portable breath test showed a blood-alcohol content of 0.151.

Graham had a valid Firearm Owners Identification Card and said there were no other weapons in his apartment.

The glass was shattered on the lower half of his patio door, which was on the north side of building. Police said they didn't find damage in any adjacent buildings.

Graham was charged with reckless conduct. His bail was set at $1,000.