LEBANON, Pa. — A Lebanon County constable has been charged with one count of reckless endangerment after prosecutors say he left a loaded gun unattended in a bathroom at a local District Justice's office.
James Drahovsky, 70, of Lebanon, was charged this morning, according to Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf. The matter was investigated by Chief County Detective Jonathan Hess with assistance from the Lebanon County Sheriff's Office, the Lebanon City Police Department, and the County of Lebanon, Graf said in a press release.
The investigation found that Drahovsky was at the office in an official capacity and was carrying his Glock 27 handgun. While there, he used a bathroom located in the lobby and open to the public, Graf said.
While inside, Drahovsky allegedly removed his handgun, then left it behind when he exited the bathroom. He then allegedly left the building, Graf said.
About 90 minutes later, a member of the public went into the bathroom and found the handgun, which was loaded with a round in the chamber, Graf said. The citizen notified staff, who contacted Lebanon City Police.
The investigation determined that more than 10 people entered and exited the bathroom while the gun was left unattended, Graf said.
"The possession of a handgun gives the owner the immediate power to take and end a life," Graf said. "We see shootings and killings across the county every day at the hands of people who steal and illegally own firearms.
"Drahovsky is an elected official who recklessly and negligently created a potentially life-altering and live-ending hazard to countless people -- including a child -- when he left his loaded handgun ripe for the taking and use. We are extremely lucky and honest and upstanding citizen discovered the weapon and notified authorities. We are extremely lucky no one was hurt."
