FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — A Franklin man is facing charges following an incident where he caused panic at a local bar after threatening to shoot all of the patrons inside.

Court documents indicate the Franklin Police Department on Friday, February 28, filed the following criminal charges against 36-year-old Kerry Lee Switzer Jr.:

– Terroristic Threats Cause Serious Public Inconvenience, Felony 3
– Disorderly Conduct Engage in Fighting, Misdemeanor 3
– Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary

According to a criminal complaint, on February 22, Franklin Police received a report of a male who was possibly in possession of a firearm and threatening the patrons of a known bar.

Officer Scott, of the Franklin Police Department, arrived at the location and was met by a male that he identified as Kerry Lee Switzer Jr.. Officer Scott observed Switzer was exhibiting several signs of impairment and had a bloody lip and a small cut under his left eye, the complaint states.

According to the complaint, a search of Switzer and his vehicle were conducted and no firearm was found. An investigation was then initiated into the allegations, and several victims were questioned.

It was determined Switzer had been acting in an aggressive manner while in the bar. He allegedly punched the jukebox, slammed drinks on the bar, and told patrons of the business that he “was going to shoot them all and put a gun in their mouths,” the complaint indicates.

Switzer then exited the bar and then told one of the victims who had exited behind him, to see what he was doing, to have the bartender turn off the TVs, jukebox, and any cameras, all while holding his hand in his pocket. The victim ran back into the bar and instructed the patrons to lock all of the doors, believing Switzer had a gun and intended to kill the people inside, according to the complaint.

While the patrons were locking the doors, Switzer forced the door open and grabbed one of the victims by the sweatshirt. The victim then struck Switzer to get him to release him, which allowed the patrons to get the door secured and locked. The bartender then contacted the police, the complaint states.

Switzer was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Matthew T. Kirtland at 1:45 p.m. on Monday, March 2.

Unable to post $15,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Venango County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, with Judge Kirtland presiding.

Court documents indicate Switzer also waived a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, March 4, on charges related to an incident where he was caught driving under the influence and in possession of a stolen pistol.