SMETHPORT — A Port Allegany man is in McKean County Jail for an alleged drunk driving accident in Liberty Township on Monday, after which he allegedly threatened to shoot two state troopers.
Daniel Vidonish Jr., 57, is charged with possession of a firearm prohibited, a first-degree felony; firearms not to be carried without a license, a third-degree felony; terroristic threats, a first-degree misdemeanor; two counts of resisting arrest, second-degree misdemeanors; DUI; disorderly conduct; accident involving damage, third-degree misdemeanor; possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor.
According to the criminal complaint, about 3 a.m. Monday, state police were talking to someone who had made a complaint of an erratic driver along U.S. Route 6 in Liberty Township. While speaking with the person, troopers saw electrical sparks coming from the Painters Truck and Fabrication building at 29 Davis Circle, Liberty Township. A hydroedge tri-axle truck was reversing in the parking lot with no lights on, and troopers noticed a pole and wires down behind the truck. The complainant told police the truck was the one he was calling about.
Troopers drove over to the parking lot and walked up to the truck as Vidonish got out, began slurring his words and immediately became confrontational, the complaint stated. He said he hadn’t had any alcohol, but was showing signs of intoxication and having trouble standing on his own. He refused field sobriety tests and when troopers went to cuff him, began to resist, at which time officers had to take him to the ground to cuff him, the complaint stated.
He continued to be belligerent and uncooperative, and then began threatening to shoot the troopers. Bullets and a handgun magazine were located on him. Troopers asked where the gun was, and he said he didn’t have one. He then said, “When you come down the road, you’ll get blasted,” the complaint stated. He was helped to his feet and troopers found him to have a marijuana pipe in his pocket. He was placed in a patrol car, and continued threatening to kill the troopers, to shoot them in the face, according to the complaint.
When the company owner arrived, he gave state police permission to search the truck Vidonish had been driving. A loaded handgun was found inside the truck, with a bullet in the chamber. A 12-pack of Yuengling was found in the truck with three remaining. Troopers ran a search and found that Vidonish was a prior felon who could not possess a firearm, the complaint stated.
Vidonish was taken to Bradford Regional Medical Center for a blood draw, the results of which were not listed.
Vidonish was arraigned Monday before District Judge Bill Todd and remanded to jail in lieu of $75,000 bail. He is scheduled for Central Court on Jan. 18.
