'Stand your ground' rule cited in shooting

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A Florida pizzeria customer was charged with shooting another man in line despite using the state's "stand your ground" law as justification.

Police said Randall White, 49, complained about the speed of service at a St. Petersburg pizza shop Sunday afternoon, and was admonished by another customer in line, Michael Jock, 52.

It "prompted them to exchange words and it became a shoving match," said police spokesman Mike Puetz.

White allegedly raised a fist, and Jock, holder of a concealed-weapons permit, is alleged to have responded by pulling out a handgun and shooting him twice, the Tampa Bay Times reported Tuesday.

After police officers arrived, Jock told them he feared for his life, mentioning the controversial Florida law that states a person is not required to retreat from a confrontation before using deadly force.

"He felt he was in his rights. He brought it up specifically and cited it to the officer. We determined it [the incident] did not reach a level where deadly force was required." Puetz said.

Jock was arrested on charges of aggravated battery with a weapon and shooting within a building. White was treated at a hospital and released, the newspaper said.