Investigation Focuses On Pictures Of Armed Rockers With Local Officers

A federal investigation is under way after pictures surfaced of rock stars with firearms in Rowan County.

Eyewitness News has learned a former Rowan County police officer works with musicians like Tommy Lee of Motley Crue and Bret Michaels. Eyewitness News received photos of the musicians at the Rowan County Peace Officers Association, where they were brought to fire guns.

SLIDESHOW: Tommy Lee, Deputies And Officers At A Gun Club

Mike Price owns property near the shooting range. He said he’s heard gunshots but was surprised to see the pictures.

"That's pretty cool. I don't know if it's legal or not," Price said.

Price added: "I believe it's their right as well as the police officers' to shoot and enjoy and have those things for personal safety and for fun.”

It could be illegal if any of the men has a criminal record that prohibits them from using guns.

There were officers from the Rowan County Sheriff's Office, Salisbury and Spencer police departments with the rockers. Eyewitness News made that discovery when Sheriff Kevin Auten and both chiefs called to notify the station of their investigation.

Auten told Eyewitness News the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is also investigating to check the men's criminal backgrounds and learn more about the weapons.

Auten wants to know if the pictures show bad judgment, a policy problem or a crime.

"If they have some kind of a criminal record that's not a felony, I don't see a problem with it at all," Price said.

There's no time frame for the ATF investigation. An official told Eyewitness News he could not comment until it's over.