Deputies with the Howell County Sheriff’s Office responded to County Road 1480 near Peace Valley around 5:39 p.m. Wednesday after receiving reports of a physical disturbance involving a firearm. According to investigators, the incident began on State Route 17, where a driver and his wife were traveling behind a vehicle operated by Joseph Busbey. After both vehicles turned onto County Road 3810, the victim reported that Busbey slowed down. When the victim briefly flashed his headlights, Busbey allegedly stopped in the roadway, exited his vehicle, and approached with a firearm. The victim told deputies that Busbey pointed the weapon at him, leading to a struggle in which the victim grabbed the barrel, shoved Busbey backward, and engaged in a physical altercation. The victim reported being struck in the face before eventually disarming Busbey. The victim’s wife, who was present in the vehicle, corroborated the account, stating she saw Busbey exit with a gun and heard the victim yell, “Don’t point that gun at me.” Deputies documented injuries to the victim’s face consistent with the statement. The firearm—a Heritage Rough Rider .22 caliber revolver loaded with five live rounds and one spent casing—was seized. No shots were fired during the incident. Busbey later told deputies he retrieved the firearm because he believed he was being followed and that he kept the weapon at his side, denying he pointed it. He claimed the victim attacked him and took the gun during the struggle. Based on witness statements, physical evidence, and the totality of circumstances, deputies determined probable cause existed that Joseph Busbey knowingly presented a firearm in a threatening manner and assaulted the victim by striking him in the face.
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