COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — A central Missouri sheriff is free on bond after being arrested on charges that he misused a firearm during an incident last month at a tavern.

Osage County Sheriff Michael Dixon was arrested Wednesday by Boone County deputies on a felony count of unlawful use of a weapon.

Authorities allege that 29-year-old Dixon of Belle negligently possessed and handled a firearm while intoxicated about 11 p.m. March 5 at the Hitching Post bar in Hartsburg.

Online court records do not show whether Dixon has an attorney. A message seeking comment was left for him Wednesday at his department.