Delta man arrested after brandishing gun at Sheetz
Police: gun was not loaded when seized
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From Staff Reports
LEWISTOWN -- A man brandishing a firearm was arrested after police said he became involved in a fight at Lewistown Sheetz.
Russell Elwood Stabley IV, 36, of Delta, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Jack Miller Monday on charges of carrying a firearm without a license, criminal trespass, reckless endangerment, public drunkenness and related offenses.
According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, officers from Lewistown Police Department were called to Sheetz Saturday where Stabley was told to leave the building.
Police said Stabley walked out of the store, per the manager's request, then came in through an entrance on the other side of the building. An off-duty state trooper made contact with Stabley, noting that he appeared impaired and was causing a disturbance within the store. At that time, the off-duty officer told Stabley to leave and Stabley tried to push past him.
Lewistown police then said they noticed Stabley staggering in front of the store and that they could see him pull a handgun that was tucked into his waist on his back.
Police said Stabley appeared "extremely intoxicated," with his head slumped down, turning in circles as he was trying to pull out a gun. Stabley removed the firearm from his pants and began walking toward the entrance doors, then pointed it in the air and cocked it as he attempted to return inside the store. Police said there was a customer walking to the same entrance within a few feet of Stabley and when he did this, the officer yelled at the customer, who saw him pointing his firearm in their direction.
The officer said he yelled at Stabley, attempting to prevent him from going inside. At that time, Stabley lowered the gun to his side and turned toward police, holding the gun to his side. Police said Stabley then followed orders to put the gun down and was handcuffed.
Police said Stabley smelled of alcohol and was slurring his speech. He was also confrontational and shouting obscenities.
Police said when they seized the handgun, it was not loaded.
Police transported Stabley to Mifflin County Correctional Facility, but he was rejected due to his level of impairment and needed to be medically cleared prior to being admitted. Sabley told staff he had consumed alcohol and ativan and had to be sedated due to violent behavior.
Stabley was held in Mifflin County Correctional Facility, unable to pay $75,000 bail. He is awaiting a preliminary hearing set for 9 a.m. Dec. 27.