A Schuylkill County man faces a felony weapons charge and a DUI after police say they found a concealed firearm and methamphetamine during a traffic stop.
State Police say they initiated a traffic stop on John Callahan Jr., 59, of Shenandoah, during the early morning of May 31 while he was driving a gray 2005 Honda Civic after observing the vehicle turn left from N. Main St. onto E. Centre St. in Shenandoah but not using his blinker. Police say the Civic had a very dark aftermarket window tint.
While speaking with Callahan, police say his pupils were pinpoint and non-reactive to light, and he appeared disoriented and tired. Callahan initially denied using any narcotics prior to driving and said there were no guns in the vehicle, police say.
When asked to step out of the vehicle to conduct a pat-down search, police say Callahan then admitted he had a firearm concealed in the waistband of his jeans. Police retrieved and secured the firearm.
During the search, police say they also located an Altoids tin on Callahan containing a folded $2 bill with suspected methamphetamine inside. Callahan reportedly said the substance was meth and told police he did not have a concealed carry permit, which was later confirmed.
Callahan subsequently admitted to using meth at about 8 p.m. on May 30, police say. Following field sobriety tests, during which police say they noticed clues of impairment, Callahan was taken into custody. Police transported Callahan to Lehigh Valley Hospital-East in Pottsville, where he consented to a blood draw.
Callahan is charged with a felony count of carrying a firearm without a license, along with misdemeanor counts of DUI, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also faces two summary traffic violations.
Callahan was released on $10,000 unsecured bail following his arraignment before Magisterial District Judge James Reiley. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 9.
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Lori Steinhart
June 5, 2026 at 7:59 pm
Another unsecured bail!! SKOOK justice is a joke!