A report of shots fired at a Cressona bar quickly devolved when the alleged shooter threatened police and staff at a local hospital.
According to State Police in Schuylkill Haven, the call came in on July 26 from Hot Rod Bar and Grill, Cressona, of shots fired. The incident started just before 9 p.m. that night.
When police arrived, the alleged shooter already fled the scene. By the end of the night, he ended up getting a mental evaluation at a hospital in Pottsville.
Shots Fired from BB Gun at Cressona Bar
The alleged shooter was identified as 21-year-old Brian Peterson, of Pottsville. After arriving at Hot Rod Bar and Grill, police say they went looking for Peterson.
They eventually caught up with him in his vehicle and pulled him over. As they approached Peterson’s vehicle, police say they saw a gun that turned out to be a BB gun on the passenger-side floor.
Police arrested Peterson and initially charged him with making terroristic threats, assault, reckless endangerment, and other crimes.
But the incident didn’t end there.
Peterson, while in police custody, began making suicidal comments. He also threatened law enforcement officials.
Because of the suicidal statements he made, police took Peterson to Lehigh Valley Hospital – East, Pottsville, to undergo an mental health evaluation.
Then, at the hospital, Peterson started threatening hospital staff.
So far, police have charged Peterson with a laundry list of crimes and more charges could be pending. Here’s the list of crimes he’s being charged with so far, according to court records:
- 4 counts of Terroristic Threats (Felony 3)
- 4 counts of Simple Assault (Misdemeanor 2)
- 4 counts of Reckless Endangerment (Misdemeanor 2)
- 4 counts of Harassment (Misdemeanor 3)
- 4 counts of Disorderly Conduct (Misdemeanor 3)
Image: License purchased via Depositphotos.com
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