A Florida man has been accused of causing his neighbors to fear for their lives after allegedly threatening them with a pellet gun.
On October 28, New Port Richey resident Derick Wade Tidwell allegedly pulled a pellet gun that operates with air-power on his neighbors and threatened to kill them, but they reportedly believed that the gun was a shotgun or rifle and that they were in serious danger. The 46-year-old allegedly told them, “I’m going to put you in the ground.”
The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office intervened and placed Tidwell under arrest for the accusation, and he was transported to the Land O’Lakes Detention Center.
When he arrived for processing, the deputies found marijuana in his pocket and purported that he planned to bring it in the jail since he did not tell them he was holding it.
The suspect is additionally reported as having told the authorities that he had enough money to post bail, and upon his release, he would return to the neighbors to “kill… and disfigure their faces.” He reportedly made several more threats toward the alleged victims throughout his processing.
Tidwell is facing one felony count of aggravated assault for the alleged event with the pellet gun, and one felony count of introduction of contraband for the cannabis he reportedly possessed. His bond was set at $40,000, and according to Pasco County Sheriff’s Office arrest reports, he is still incarcerated for the charges against him.
If he is convicted of the charges Tidwell could face a sentence of five years in prison or five years of probation, in addition to a $5,000 fine.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.