Blakely police charged a Peckville man with threatening to “shoot up” the No Kings rally in Scranton on Saturday, according to a criminal complaint.
At about 11:30 a.m., officers were called to the Peckville Post Office on a report of a man who had made the threat after dropping off the package.
According to the complaint:
Witness Anthony Larioni told officers Paul Bechtold, 72, clearly stated, “Now, I’m going to Scranton to shoot up the No Kings protestors.” Larioni said Bechtold was not joking when he made the threat.
Blakely police, aware that the No Kings rally was to start at 2 p.m., contacted the Scranton police and assured city officers they would be informed as the incident unfolded.
Officers found Bechtoldt at his residence at 525 Hickory St., and asked him about the comment. He admitted he had made the threat, but said he was kidding.
Officer Michael Shaheen explained the magnitude of the situation and told Bechtoldt it was not a “joking situation.”
Bechtoldt admitted to having firearms. Blakely officers contacted Scranton police and informed them that Bechtoldt had been arrested.
City police indicated they had sent additional officers out to the area of the No Kings protest due to the threat.
Bechtoldt is charged with making terroristic threats. He remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on Oct. 29 before District Judge George Seig.