Crime & Safety

Gun Scare At Walmart Leads To Evacuation, Arrest In Marple Twp.: Police

The man took out a large firearm, later identified as a BB gun, and pointed it like he would shoot, authorities said.

Police say they found the suspect's firearm inside the Walmart and identified it as a BB gun rifle.
Police say they found the suspect's firearm inside the Walmart and identified it as a BB gun rifle. (Marple Township Police)

MARPLE TOWNSHIP, PA — A man is facing charges after causing a disturbance with a BB gun rifle Wednesday afternoon at Walmart in Marple Township, police said.

Police were called at around 12:30 p.m. for a report of a man carrying a large gun at the Walmart on South State Road. Officers were told the man was pointing the firearm like he was going to shoot, and the store was in the process of being evacuated.

When police arrived, they found the suspect in front of the Walmart and arrested him. Police say they found the firearm inside the store and identified it as a BB gun rifle (pictured above).

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The suspect — Taeshawn Salmon, 20 — was charged with terroristic threats and simple assault. He's in custody at Marple Township Police Headquarters awaiting arraignment as of Wednesday afternoon.

It's unclear whether police have identified any possible motive.

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Online court records didn't immediately have an attorney contact who could comment on Salmon's behalf.

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