BIG SPRINGS - Two men are in jail after a dispute involving firearms at a truck stop in Deuel County last weekend.

The Deuel County Sheriff’s office says they responded to a shooting call involving two semi-tractor-trailer drivers at the Flying J Truck Stop in Big Springs at 3:58 p.m. Saturday.

According to an arrest affidavit, Michael Earl Whitaker and Joseph Todd Morelli were driving westbound on Interstate 80 when Whitaker reportedly cut-off Morelli. Morelli called Whitaker on the CB radio upset about Whitaker crossing the line of traffic. An exchange of words between the two got more heated.

The two drivers continued to argue over the CB radio as they passed through Ogallala. Morelli passed Whitaker and told him to take exit 117 and they would “settle this.” Morelli took the exit, but Whitaker continued west on I-80 towards Big Springs.

Morelli drove back onto the interstate and caught up to Whitaker. Both drivers took the Exit 107 into the Flying J Truck Stop in Big Springs.

The arrest affidavit says the drivers exited their vehicles with semi-automatic handguns. Morelli fired his gun into some trees near the truck stop. Whitaker responded by firing his gun in the direction of Morelli. A total of five to seven shots were fired before the two got back in their semi-tractor-trailers. One of Whitaker's bullets struck the front end of Morelli's semi.

Sheriff’s deputies were pulling into the truck stop when they saw Whitaker waving his arms at them, with his gun near his feet. Authorities took the weapon and his ID. Whitaker then pointed to the other end of the parking lot at Morelli and told them he was also involved. 

Both Whitaker and Morelli were arrested for 2nd degree assault and use of a weapon to commit a felony. Whitaker was taken to Garden County jail and Morelli was lodged into the Cheyenne County jail.