A Schuylkill County man is facing charges after police allege he threatened to “start dropping people” and pointed a firearm at a man inside a Shenandoah convenience store last month.
Police in Shenandoah say they responded to the One Stop Shop shortly before 7 p.m. on Nov. 28 for a report of a male causing a disturbance.
Police said a witness at the scene reported he was using the bathroom when John Charles, 46, of Shenandoah, approached him and pointed a firearm at him. The witness described the weapon as a black handgun.
Charles allegedly told the man there was a miscommunication and that he thought he was approaching a different male known as “Cheito,” police say.
Witnesses told police that Charles and “Cheito” had been arguing earlier. During the dispute, Charles allegedly yelled that he was “done arguing and is going to start dropping people,” police quote Charles as having said.
Witnesses reported seeing Charles standing near the store’s beer coolers after making the comment. One witness, identified as a veteran with firearms experience, told police Charles had a gun hidden in his hoodie pocket and cocked it.
On Dec. 5, the store provided police with security footage of the incident. Investigators allege the video shows Charles removing what appears to be a firearm from his waistband, racking the slide to chamber a round, and approaching “Cheito.”
Police noted in the affidavit that the firearm in the video appeared to have a stainless steel slide and a possible black frame.
When officers arrived on the night of the incident, they confronted Charles and patted him down, but did not find a weapon. Police say they believe the firearm may have been discarded in the area.
A criminal history check conducted on Dec. 8 revealed Charles has previous felony convictions, which prohibit him from possessing a firearm, police say.
Charles has been charged with felony counts of illegal gun possession and aggravated assault as well as misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct, and simple assault.
He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Anthony Kilker on Dec. 10. Kilker set bail at $50,000 unsecured. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2026.
Subscribe to Coal Region Canary
Get email updates from Coal Region Canary by becoming a subscriber today. Just enter your email address below to get started!Support Coal Region Canary
Like our reporting and want to support truly local news in Schuylkill County? Your small donations help. For as little as $5, your contribution will allow us to cover more news that directly affects you. Consider donating today by hitting the big yellow button below ...