OIL CITY, Pa. (EYT) — Charges against a Franklin man who fled the state police following a disturbance at Walmart have been waived for court.

According to court documents, the following charges against 45-year-old Grant W. Ruffner, of Franklin, were waived on January 9 in front of Magisterial District Judge Andrew F. Fish:

• Resist Arrest/Other Law Enforcement, Misdemeanor 2,
• Disorderly Conduct Hazardous/Physical Offense, Misdemeanor 3
• Public Drunkenness And Similar Misconduct, Summary

The charges were transferred to Venango County Court of Common Pleas.

He remains lodged in the Venango County Jail on $20,000.00 monetary bail.

Case details:

According to a criminal complaint, on January 4, a Walmart Loss Prevention representative called Franklin-based State Police to report a disorderly person at the electronics counter who was arguing with the employees.

Trooper Frank Grzasko arrived on scene and interviewed all parties in order to discern what was occurring.

During this time, Trooper Grzasko told Grant Ruffner to stand by the counter while he went to talk with the Walmart Loss Prevention representative.

While Trooper Grzasko was speaking with the Walmart employee, Ruffner ran from the area and left the store via an emergency exit located at the rear of the store. Ruffner then crossed the pavement, went over a guide rail, down a steep embankment, and ran approximately 150 yards into the woods before he stopped and sat on the ground, behind a tree, attempting to conceal himself.

Ruffner allegedly stated that he had consumed alcohol from small bottles found on his person, and there was an odor of alcohol coming from his person, according to the complaint.

He was arraigned on January 4 at 6:00 p.m. before Judge Fish.