PASCAGOULA, Miss. (AP) — A Jackson County man has been charged with threatening Circuit Judge Dale Harkey.

Randy Christian, 54, was arrested in the courthouse parking lot Monday, said Sheriff Mike Byrd.

Byrd said the arrest came after Christian asked another judge where he could find Harkey. Byrd said deputies discovered a pistol in Christian’s pocket.

Byrd said Christian was apparently angry with Harkey over a case involving his son, Colt.

Harkey sentenced Colt Christian to 20 years in prison, with 18 years to serve and two years of post-release supervision, in a road rage incident from 2002.

FBI agent Joseph Nicholson said deputies ‘‘had been made aware of’’ the possibility that Christian would attempt to confront Harkey on Monday.

Nicholson said the incident is still being investigated.

Harkey declined to comment on Tuesday.

Nicholson said Randy Christian, now charged with one count each of intimidating a judge and carrying a concealed weapon, could face 2-1/2 years in prison if convicted of both charges.