HARRISBURG, Pa. — A scary scene unfolded at a church in Harrisburg, after police arrested a man who threatened a Dauphin County polling station with guns.
74-year-old David Lassiter was arrested on Tuesday evening and charged with disorderly conduct and making terroristic threats. According to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police, Lassiter went to vote at the Covenant Community Church on 18th Street and left his wallet at the polling station.
When he went back to the polling station, Lassiter reportedly discovered that $100 was missing from his wallet and started making threats towards people inside. He also called police and told them that he planned on returning to the church with a gun.
“Mr. Lassiter advised officers over the phone that he was going to retrieve a firearm and return to the polling station in order to handle things," said Capt. Terry Wealand.
After attempting to talk Lassiter down, officers drove over to the polling station. Lassiter then pulled into the parking lot and allegedly pointed an unloaded handgun at one of the police vehicles, and tried to go inside the church. He was arrested after confronting with police.
“Thankfully, the officers’ intelligent and responsible decision-making at the scene allowed this situation to be handled with no one getting hurt," said Capt. Wealand.
Police later found that Lassiter had seven guns with ammunition in his car. In total, police confiscated a revolver, a shotgun, an AR-15, and four other handguns. Captain Wealand said the officers' quick actions prevented a tragedy.
“Looking at what I know about this incident, it probably would’ve went bad if those officers wouldn’t have been there when they were there," said Capt. Wealand.
Lassiter was released after posting $2,500 bail.