Two felons face charges over the alleged illegal sale of a handgun to an undercover Altoona police officer.
William B. Bush, 18, of 1200 14th Ave., Apt. 1, Room 1, was arrested by waiting Altoona police officers just after 8 p.m. Wednesday after he allegedly sold a seven-shot, .22-caliber revolver and a box of ammunition for $80, according to police.
During questioning, Bush allegedly told police he bought the gun and bullets earlier Wednesday from another man, Stanley C. Nail, 55, of 1419 12th St. for $50, arrest papers show.
Both men have felony records for burglary convictions and are prohibited from owning a gun, police said.
The handgun is not registered and was bought by Nail about six years ago, police said. Nail allegedly told investigating officers he bought the gun from a man he didn't know and paid about $30 for it.
Bush allegedly acknowledged he was not allowed to own a gun as he sat with the undercover officer in a parked car outside Bush's apartment building, court records indicate.
Bush had the gun concealed in a wash cloth in his pocket and unwrapped the revolver and placed it on the center console of the vehicle, telling the officer he bought it "from a guy up the hill" but wanted to get rid of it since he wasn't allowed to own a firearm, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
After money and the gun were exchanged, Bush stepped out of the vehicle and was taken into custody, police said. Bush allegedly told officers he bought the handgun from Nail and after police questioned Nail, he allegedly admitted selling it to Bush earlier in the day.
Bush was jailed Thursday morning after failing to the post $20,000 cash bail set by Magisterial District Judge Fred B. Miller.
Bush is charged with illegal possession of a gun by a felon, carrying a firearm without a license, violating the 48-hour waiting period, selling a gun without a license and possession of a small amount of marijuana.
Nail is charged with illegal possession of a gun by a felon, violating the 48-hour waiting period and selling a firearm without a license. He was taken to Blair County Prison in lieu of 10 percent of $20,000 bail.
Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Wednesday in Central Court.
Mirror Staff Writer Greg Bock is at 946-7458.
