REDBANK TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A New Bethlehem man is set to appear in court this Tuesday on felony charges stemming from an August incident where police allegedly found him in possession of stolen firearms and drug paraphernalia.
According to court documents, 31-year-old Austin Richard Blair is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 25, before Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller on the following charges:
Possession of Firearm Prohibited, Felony 1
Receiving Stolen Property, Felony 2 (two counts)
Use/Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
Disorderly Conduct Hazardous/Physical Offense, Summary
The charges stem from an incident on August 26, 2025, in Redbank Township, Clarion County.
According to the criminal complaint, troopers from the Clarion-based State Police station were dispatched to a residence on Route 66 around 1:45 p.m. for a report of a male and female yelling. A witness reported hearing a male voice scream profanities followed by multiple gunshots, the complaint notes.
Troopers arrived at the scene and made contact with Blair near the residence. Police say Blair told them he was with his girlfriend but denied hearing any gunshots. Blair allegedly stated he was starting a campfire at his camper and was not aware of any disturbance, according to the complaint.
The complaint states that Blair admitted to troopers that he was a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.
While on the property, troopers observed a campfire near a trailer and multiple 9mm shell casings lying in the dirt nearby. The complaint notes the casings appeared “shiny” and not weathered.
Troopers entered the camper to check for potential victims and observed a pistol lying on the bed, the complaint states.
Blair was taken into custody.
During a search incident to arrest, troopers allegedly found several .308 casings on his person. Police subsequently obtained a search warrant for the camper. According to the complaint, a search of the vehicle yielded multiple firearms, including a black 9mm Sarsilmaz SAR pistol and a Remington Model 700 .308 Winchester rifle.
The complaint indicates that the 9mm pistol and a license plate found at the scene were reported stolen.
Troopers also seized multiple other firearms, various ammunition, and drug paraphernalia, including glass smoking devices, marijuana grinders, a scale, and pills, according to court documents.
Blair was arraigned on August 26 before Judge Miller.
Court records show Blair was initially unable to post $100,000 monetary bail and was lodged in the Clarion County Jail on August 26.
Blair was released on September 29 after a surety bond was posted.