That Was One Tough Interview

RED BLUFF, Calif. (CN) - A freelance newspaper reporter says a juvenile probation officer pointed a gun at his head and threatened to shoot him after an interview. Barry Clausen sued Melissa Jones and Tehama County in Tehama County Court.

Clausen says he interviewed Jones on March 31, 2009, to "inquire about the performance of her duties."

When the interview ended, Clausen says, he turned to leave and then "heard the sound of a handgun slide chambering a round for the purpose of firing, at which time he turned to see Melissa Jones aiming a handgun directly at his head.

"By quick action, plaintiff was able to knock the gun to the side and grab the arm of Melissa Jones, dislodging the gun from her possession and placing her in custody, which he later transferred to law enforcement authorities," according to the complaint.

Clausen says the incident caused him "substantial and enduring emotional distress."

He seeks damages for negligence from the county, and punitive damages from Jones. He is represented in Superior Court by Larry Baumbach of Chico.

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