A St. Joseph man is accused of firing a handgun into the air outside of the Hi-Ho Bar after a disturbance.

Justin Helms, 29 is charged in Buchanan County with a class-E felony of unlawful use of a weapon.

According to court documents, Helms was allegedly involved in a disturbance with several other people  inside the Hi-Ho Bar located at 1817 Frederick Ave., Friday around 12:30 a.m.

“The three parties left the bar and got into a red 2011 Ford F250.  Helms got into the truck but then exited again.  He took a handgun from the truck and fired about three rounds into the air.  He then got back into the truck and the three parties left the area,” said Detective Jeff Pearl with the St. Joseph Police Department.

Det. Peal said when officers made contact with Helms he had a blood alcohol content level of .160%.

“The defendant displayed a handgun and fired it indiscriminately into the air placing numerous people in danger of serious physical injury or death,” Pearl said.

Helms is currently being held without bail after online documents state the court found the defendant to be a danger to the community.  He’s due in court Tuesday for an arraignment.