Cop: Maine man with gun tattoo had real gun in waistband

41-year-old Michael Smith, of Norridgewock, showed up at a sheriff’s deputy’s home Thursday night

June 15, 2014 05:29 AM

In this March 18, 2014 file photo, Michael Smith, left, bearing a realistic-looking tattoo of a handgun on his stomach, stands beside a Somerset County Sheriff deputy outside his home in Norridgewock, Maine.

Associated Press

MADISON, Maine — Police in Maine say a man with a realistic-looking tattoo of a gun on his stomach had the real thing tucked into his waistband when he was arrested.

Police tell the Morning Sentinel that 41-year-old Michael Smith, of Norridgewock, showed up at a sheriff’s deputy’s home Thursday night. Police say he was crying and had been drinking.

Authorities say Smith told police he had a fight with his ex-girlfriend and had stolen prescription narcotics from her.

He was charged with stealing drugs, and the gun was confiscated. He was released from jail on $1,000 bail. His phone has been disconnected.

Smith made headlines in March when members of a tree removal crew reported that he had a gun. But the gun turned out to be his tattoo.