The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
An Idaho man was charged after the authorities said he allegedly threatened a group of teenagers with a handgun during a dispute over fireworks at a public park.
According to court documents, deputies responded to the park at about 11 p.m. on July 13 after receiving reports that a man had pointed a firearm at several people. The suspect had already left before the authorities arrived, but officers later found him at a nearby gas station and arrested him without incident.
Investigators said the argument reportedly began after the man accused the group of setting off a firework that struck his girlfriend. During the confrontation, the teenagers claimed the man became angry and allegedly threatened to kill them. They told the authorities he then displayed a handgun before pointing it toward the group.
The authorities also reviewed cellphone videos that reportedly captured portions of the encounter. According to investigators, the recordings allegedly showed the man making threats while displaying the handgun. Additional footage reportedly showed him leaving the area with the firearm still in his hand.
A 37-year-old man was later charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the incident.
One of the alleged victims reportedly told investigators the man became aggressive shortly after approaching the group. The teenager claimed the man pushed several people as they tried to calm the situation before producing the handgun. He reportedly told investigators he feared the man was about to open fire.
No shots were fired during the incident, and no injuries were reported.
During his first court appearance, a judge set the suspect’s bond at $75,000 and scheduled a preliminary hearing for the end of July. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to five years in prison for each aggravated assault charge. He could also be fined up to $5,000.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.