Smithfield man waives two charges to court
A Smithfield man police said got into an altercation with five other people outside a Smithfield business and then brandished a handgun last month waived two charges filed against him to court.
State police Trooper George Mrosko said Ronald Burwell III, 23, was charged before Magisterial District Judge Joseph M. George Jr. with endangering the welfare of children, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct.
During a preliminary hearing Thursday before Magisterial District Judge Randy S. Abraham, Burwell waived the charges of endangering the welfare of children and disorderly conduct to Fayette County Court while prosecutors withdrew the charge for recklessly endangering another person against him.
Mrosko said the incident occurred July 31 at Amy Lynn’s Gas Station on Main Street. According to Mrosko, Burwell and five other adults got into a verbal altercation in the parking lot. During the argument, witnesses said that Burwell pulled a 9mm handgun from a holster and waived it around. He was holding a 4-year-old boy in his other arm while brandishing the firearm. Mrosko said.
Police were able to secure the weapon and take Burwell into custody without incident.