Shaver Wanted In Texas Shooting

Billy Joe Shaver shot a drunk, knife-toting stranger who followed him into the parking lot outside of a bar in Lorena, Texas, March 31st, according to the singer/songwriter’s attorney.

Police have issued arrest warrants for the country artist charging aggravated assault and possessing a firearm in a prohibited place, attorney Joseph Turner said.

Shaver and his attorney contend the shooting was in self-defense, and had no immediate plans to interrupt a tour that was to begin April 3rd.

Shaver attempted to surrender to Austin police but was not arrested because the police did not have a record of the warrants, according to Turner.

"We’re working with the police to get this resolved," Turner said. "His priority is dealing with this issue."

The shooting occurred at 8:30 p.m. March 31st outside Papa Joe’s Texas Saloon, according to Lorena police. The victim was shot in the cheek and hospitalized but was talking and alert afterward, police said.

Turner declined to elaborate or say whether anything occurred inside the bar between Shaver and the victim.

Shaver, who lives in Waco, about 15 miles from Lorena, rose to country music stardom in the 1970s.

He has recorded more than 20 albums, including a greatest hits compilation that was to be released April 3rd.