PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (EYT) — A 19-year-old Punxsutawney man faces multiple charges after allegedly returning to an apartment with a firearm following a physical altercation early Monday morning.
Matthew Aaron Maze faces the following charges:
- Theft by Unlawful Taking, Felony 2 (two counts)
- Firearms not to be carried without license, Felony 3 (two counts)
- Making/repairing/selling offensive weapons, Misdemeanor 1 (one count)
- Terroristic threats, Misdemeanor 1 (one count)
- Resisting arrest, Misdemeanor 2 (one count)
- Disorderly conduct — engaging in fighting, Misdemeanor 3 (one count)
- Harassment — lewd/threatening language, Misdemeanor 3 (one count)
- Public drunkenness, Summary ( one count)
According to Punxsutawney Borough Police, officers responded to Beyer Avenue Apartments around 3:28 a.m. on Monday, February 10, for reports of a male with a firearm trying to enter apartment number 16.
According to a criminal complaint, Maze engaged in a fistfight with another individual, threatened to kill him, and then brandished a firearm outside the victim’s apartment before returning with an additional firearm. Multiple witnesses, including police officers, observed handguns in Maze’s vehicle at the time of his arrest.
Police say Maze was manifestly under the influence of Maple Bacon Vodka in the parking lot and common areas of the apartment complex, causing concern for public safety due to his possession of a handgun. His behavior prompted multiple residents to call 911, the complaint states.
Punxsutawney-based State Police assisted at the scene, where Maze was found in a 2017 Ford Escape. Police say he was non-compliant with commands and resisted while being taken into custody, creating a substantial risk of bodily injury that required significant force to overcome, the complaint continues.
A subsequent breath test showed a blood alcohol content of .112%, the complaint states.
While in Punxsutawney, Maze also allegedly attempted to do “donuts” in the Pennsylvania State Police barracks parking lot, the complaint notes.
Maze was unable to post $15,000.00 monetary bail and was confined to Jefferson County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. on February 14 before Judge Jacqueline J. Mizerock.
