A Scranton man faces multiple felony charges after investigators found a loaded handgun in reach of his 1-year-old daughter Tuesday, according to a criminal complaint.
Roger Dale Canfield III, 33, is charged with child endangerment, possession of a handgun with altered manufacturer’s number, possession of a controlled substance and related charges.
At about 5:30 a.m., U.S. Marshals, working in conjunction with the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s office and state police, went to the Econo Lodge on Northern Boulevard in South Abington Township to serve a warrant on Canfield.
They spotted Canfield outside his room and then reentering it. Officers confirmed his identify with hotel staff.
At about 6:10 a.m., they knocked on the door to the room, which was answered by Katie Zawatski, who was holding the couple’s 1-year-old.
Officers spotted Canfield inside the motel room and asked Zawatski to step outside. Canfield was arrested without incident.
Investigators searched Canfield and found six plastic baggies containing one gram of fentanyl and drug paraphrenia.
Officers asked Canfield if there was a handgun in the hotel room. Canfield replied he hadn’t owned a handgun since 2023.
Investigators asked Zawatski if she had seen Canfield with a firearm. She said she hadn’t and agreed to a search of the room.
Officers had prior information Canfield owned a firearm and had used it during a controlled delivery of methamphetamine.
During the search officers found a loaded .380 Caliber Cobra pistol, a Crown Royal bag containing 23 rounds of ammunition and a pipe containing drug residue.
The gun had an obliterated serial number, police said. Officers noted the loaded handgun was easily accessible to the 1-year-old. Authorities noted Canfield is prohibited from owning a handgun due to a prior felony conviction.
He remains at Lackawanna County Prison without bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Apr. 23 before District Judge Kipp Adcock.