Gun buyers reminded to carefully read permit application
South Strabane Township police are reminding gun buyers to carefully read gun permit applications before submitting them for review by state police.
“Any questions, ask,” said Detective Michael Schidlmeier, who recently filed charges against 14 people for allegedly falsely answering questions on their applications. “Don’t take any advice from anyone other than an attorney.
“Never fill it out unless you are 100 percent certain what you are answering,” he added.
Gun permit applications are run through the Pennsylvania Instant Check System to determine a person’s legal ability to obtain a license to carry firearms or obtain a firearm through a purchase or transfer.
The background check involves the search of various databases, including criminal history and juvenile records, mental health records and federal records.
Most applicants instantly clear the database search and receive approval within minutes, according to the state police 2016 annual firearms report. When a matching record is identified during the initial background process, PICS conducts more research, as needed, to determine the applicant’s status. If the applicant is denied approval, the name is forwarded to police for possible prosecution.
Schidlmeier filed charges of providing false information, unsworn falsification and making false statements against Patrick Dennis Wozniak, 27, of South Park; Joshua Wine, 37, of 285 Washington Road, Waynesburg; Lori Patricia McLaughlin, 44, of 507 Fifth St., North Charleroi; Nicholl Lynn Cameron, 45, of 146 Acme Road, Canonsburg; Donald Lee Beck III, 22, of 107 Erskine Road, West Alexander; John Skolnekovich, 31, of 31 Welcome St., Fredericktown; Ronald Lee Huweart, 34, of 11 Harrison St., Coal Center; Richard J. Thomas, 54, of 2760 W. Chestnut St., Washington; Edward E. Bova, 34, of Coudersport; Tyrique Walker, 27, of Pittsburgh; Matthew D. O’Donohoe, 21, of 127 Mt. Hope Ridge Road, Claysville; Jarrod Lee Ross, 36, of 231 Mansfield Road, Washington; Morgan D. McClane, 29, of Pittsburgh; and John Clyde Nesbitt, 57, of Pittsburgh.
The charges will be sent by summons from the office of District Judge Jay Weller.