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Man Almost Shot In Confrontation With Sergeant

MIAMI (CBSMiami)-- A deputy nearly shot a man this weekend after he allegedly found the man waving around what looked like a real handgun on a highway near Marathon.

The deputy said he saw Wayne Michaelson, 44, waving a handgun around so he pulled up behind him and told him to put down the gun.

Michaelson allegedly laid down on the ground, but he kept the gun and a plastic bag at his side.

While the deputy continued to give him orders, Michaelson allegedly brought the firearm in front of him and pointed it at the deputy.

At that point, the deputy said he put pressure on the trigger, preparing to shoot Michaelson who suddenly put the gun down which ended up being an airsoft pistol.

Michaelson was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest with violence

When asked about the pistol, Michaelson allegedly told another deputy,he'd just purchased the pistol to, "protect 110th Street from prostitutes and drug dealers."

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