FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — A 35-year-old man is awaiting a criminal conference on a fleeing from police charge stemming from a recent incident at a residence in Franklin.

According to court documents, the following charge against 35-year-old Scott Erwin Weaver, of Franklin, was transferred to Venango County Court of Common Pleas:

– Flight To Avoid Apprehension/Trial/Punishment, Misdemeanor 1

Weaver is awaiting a criminal conference.

He is free on $5,000.00 unsecured bail.

Details of the case:

According to a criminal complaint, on July 21, Officer Young, of the Franklin Police Department, received a report stating that three children were left unattended at a residence located on Buffalo Street. Upon arrival at the house, three minor children were on the front porch. They stated that they had not seen their father in a long time and did not know where he had gone.

That complaint states that Officer Young conducted a sweep of the house in an attempt to locate the children’s father. He was located in a third-floor room and appeared to be “passed out” and lying on an old couch. An open beer can was observed on a coffee table next to the couch. Officer Young attempted to wake Weaver multiple times without success. Weaver eventually woke up showing various signs of impairment to include odor of alcoholic beverage, slurred speech, and slow and uncoordinated movements.

According to the complaint, he later admitted to drinking an undetermined amount of alcohol and that he had no idea where his children were, stating “Aren’t they in bed? I thought they were in bed. I don’t know where they are.”

Weaver was advised that he was in violation of his probation, and he was told to sit in the living room, so officers could determine if the children could go home with their mother. At that time, the office of probation and parole was contacted, the complaint states.

During this time, Weaver left the living room area and concealed himself somewhere within the home. A sweep of each floor was conducted, and Weaver was ordered to appear; however, he did not comply. Officers eventually cleared the scene and began to search within the city for Weaver.

A short time later, a nearby neighbor called the Franklin Police Department to report that they witnessed Weaver moving in his attic shortly after they had cleared the scene. Police returned to the residence and again attempted to make contact with Weaver, and he did not respond. An arrest warrant was then issued for Weaver, according to the complaint.

Franklin Police filed charges against Weaver on July 25.

Weaver was arraigned on July 31 in front of Magisterial District Judge Matthew T. Kirtland and lodged in the Venango County Jail on $10,000.00 monetary bail.

At a preliminary hearing on August 9 in front of Judge Kirtland, Weaver’s bail was changed to $5,000.00 unsecured.

During the preliminary hearing, the following charges were dismissed:

– Endangering Welfare of Children — Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Felony 3
– Endangering Welfare of Children — Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Misdemeanor 1 (two counts)

In addition, a second-degree misdemeanor charge of Obstructing Administration of Law or Other Governmental Function was withdrawn.