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A convicted felon is facing firearms-related charges after allegedly lying to Freedom Township police Thursday about owning a handgun found in his car, court documents stated.
Martinsburg resident George Stewart, 70, was arraigned Thursday by Magisterial District Judge Fred Miller on charges of possession of a firearm while prohibited and carrying a firearm without a license, according to court documents.
Just after midnight Thursday, Freedom Township police received a call about an inebriated man, allegedly Stewart, trying to purchase alcohol at a Sheetz store, police reported.
When the responding officer arrived at the location, a person informed him a man later identified as Stewart drove away headed toward Roaring Spring, a criminal complaint stated.
Police reported they located Stewart and his vehicle parked in front of the Turkey Hill Minit Market in Roaring Spring.
While police officers were talking with Stewart, they observed a silver revolver inside the vehicle.
Stewart initially told police the firearm was not his, and he did not have a concealed carry permit, court documents stated.
A scan on the firearm's serial number was traced back to Stewart, but he again denied ownership and said he sold it to a friend, police reported.
Police learned Stewart was still on probation from a prior felony conviction, and prohibited from possessing a firearm, a criminal complaint stated.
Unable to post his $15,000 bail, Stewart is currently detained at Blair County Prison, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 6 with Magisterial District Judge Andrew Blattenberger, court documents stated.
Mirror Staff Writer Ike Fredregill is at 814-946-7458.