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Highlands Today

Argument over prayer leads to arrest on weapons charge

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: June 25, 2009

AVON PARK - An argument between a boyfriend and girlfriend that peaked when he did not want to pray before dinner ended with his arrest on a weapons charge.

Jason Scott Whitbeck, 36, of Avon Park, was arrested Friday and charged with possession of a weapon or ammo by a convicted Florida felon and misdemeanor battery.

The girlfriend told law enforcement she and Whitbeck were arguing all day for reasons she did not want to get into. The fighting intensified when he punched her on the top of her head after she became upset over his not wanting to pray, according to the arrest report.

Whitbeck reportedly then got his gun and said he'd kill himself if she followed through on her threat to leave him. The girlfriend said he eventually gave the weapon to another woman who was at the house.

"I don't know why he felt like killing himself with a gun," the witness was quoted as saying in the report. She added that she did not know Whitbeck had a gun in the house.

Whitbeck said he didn't want to kill himself and knew nothing about a gun.

The .22-caliber revolver and ammunition all appeared in working order and were capable of being fired, authorities said.

Central dispatch told law enforcement on scene that Whitbeck has five felony convictions in the state of Florida.

Highlands County Sheriff's Deputy Alfredo Campos made the arrest.

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