James Rigler: Port St. Lucie man charged with firing gun at fiancee

PORT ST. LUCIE — A 31-year-old man accused of a physical altercation with his fiancee and firing a gun toward her was arrested, according to records obtained Monday.

James Paul Rigler, of the 300 block of Southeast Greenway Terrace, was arrested on a felony assault with intent to commit a felony charge and a misdemeanor battery charge in connection with the Friday night incidents at his listed address.

Rigler's 27-year-old fiancee told Port St. Lucie police that she was upset because she knew Rigler left drunk. She called him on her cell phone and they quarreled because of relationship issues.

She said Rigler told her he cheated on her, and that she also said she cheated. She told police the argument continued by phone and text until he got home.

She said they were screaming at each other and walking between the porch and bedroom. She said Rigler pushed her against a wall, pushed her on the floor and kicked her. She told police he committed other acts of violence. She said he yelled that she had cheated, and then pointed a handgun at her.

"Oh yeah, now you wanna say no when I can put a bullet in your face," Rigler is quoted as saying.

Rigler's fiancee said that's when she heard a shot fired. Police reported finding a bullet hole in the bed frame and mattress. A cartridge casing was found in a garbage can.

She said she eventually threw the gun outside. She said he got the pistol, and went to the kitchen to clean it off. She said he eventually pointed a different gun at her.

Rigler was standing in the driveway when officers arrived. Asked where the gun or guns were, Rigler said, "What? I don't have any firearms. I don't know what firearms are."

Police reported Rigler appeared sarcastic and didn't cooperate when asked where his fiancee was and where the weapons were.

Investigators found a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun and a .38 caliber revolver in a kitchen cabinet.