DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — After initially saying he acted in self-defense, police have charged an off-duty jail employee who brandished a handgun during a fight at a car show at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

The Iowa State Fair Police announced Tuesday that John McCormick is charged with assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, carrying a weapon under the influence and impersonating a peace officer.

The charges came after some witnesses said they were outraged that McCormick created a public safety scare but wasn’t arrested for the July 6 incident at the Good Guys car show. They wondered whether McCormick received special treatment since he works for the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.

McCormick has said he wasn’t the “primary aggressor” in the fight and that he pulled the weapon in self-defense to protect himself and his wife. State Fair Police Commander Doug Phillips said initially that McCormick feared for his life.

Multiple witnesses disputed that account, saying that McCormick instigated the fight with a 69-year-old driver and pulled the concealed handgun and made threats after the man fought back.

Boone County Sheriff Gregg Elsberry has indicated that due to the charges McCormick’s gun permit will be suspended.  At this time, no other personnel action will be taken.

(Associated Press)