SWAT team arrests 2 after boozy gunplay

By Times Staff Writer
Published February 26, 2008

HOLIDAY - Alcohol and firearms do not mix.

Two men learned that lesson after waking up Sunday morning surrounded by the Pasco County sheriff's SWAT team. Deputies outside 3911 Redwood Drive took cover about 3:30 a.m. after hearing the men firing rifles in the back yard.

The Sheriff's Office does not think anyone fired at deputies, but neighbors were still evacuated as the SWAT team geared up and surrounded the home.

It wasn't until 7 a.m. that the two men inside surrendered. Christopher Welker, 20, of 3911 Redwood Drive and Curtis Arden Seitzer, 19, of 1115 Ridgecrest Court in Palm Harbor were arrested on misdemeanor charges of using a firearm under the influence of alcohol and improper exhibition of a firearm.

They told deputies they got drunk and fired the weapons into the ground, a sheriff's report said, then passed out, unaware that deputies were outside.

The rifles belonged to a roommate, Welker said. Seitzer posted bail Sunday. Welker remained in jail Monday, held in lieu of $2,000 bail.

[Last modified February 25, 2008, 21:47:29]