A spooky confrontation in Salem near the Bewitched statue resulted in the arrest of a preacher accused by police of assault with a stun gun.
Around 8:41 p.m. Tuesday, police reported seeing two groups arguing near the Bewitched statue in Salem’s Townhouse Square. One group was apparently preaching, while the others were “expressing their disagreement with the rhetoric,” Salem Police said.
The group of preachers crossed the street, ending the standoff, police said, but one member of the opposing group approached law enforcement. The man reportedly told police he “disagreed with the message being delivered and had voiced his concerns to the group.”
“The individual did not elaborate on what he had said but reported that a male from the other group produced a stun gun and activated it twice,” Salem Police said. “The individual described the action as being ‘zapped’ and stated that he feared for his safety.”
Another witness reportedly corroborated the account, according to police.
The suspect, identified as Paul Shelby, 46, of Mogadore, Ohio, was found based on the man’s description with two stun guns allegedly on him.
Shelby was arrested and faces charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of carrying a firearm without a license. Stun guns are classified as firearms under Massachusetts state law.
“During Salem’s Haunted Happenings celebrations, we discourage the display or possession of any weapons,” Salem Police stated.
Original article
Comments