Crime & Safety

Abington Man Faces Felony Gun Charges

The Pennsylvania State Police say the man attempted to buy a shotgun illegally at a local sporting goods store.

An Abington man faces felony gun charges after he allegedly attempted to purchase a gun by falsifying his application.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the agency investigating an alleged Pennsylvania Instant Check System violation at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Willow Grove section of the township, Charles Crawford Cahall, of Los Angeles Avenue, attempted to purchase a Stevens Model 320 12-gauge shotgun earlier this year.

According to the affidavit of probable cause, Cahall, 32, filled out the required forms and indicated that he had never been involuntarily committed to a mental health facility; a background check was performed and it was confirmed that Cahall was in fact committed to a mental health facility in February 2010, the affidavit continued.

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For more about the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS)

The alleged attempted purchase happened at Dick’s in the 2500 block of Moreland Road in February; Pennsylvania State Police was called to investigate the alleged incident in July and Cahall was charged with “materially false written statement — purchase, delivery, transfer of firearm” late last month. 

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His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 6 before District Judge John Kessler.

According to court documents, Cahall had previously been arrested for, and pleaded guilty, to disorderly conduct — engaging in fighting, in Collegeville in 2010.


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