Police: Richboro Man Arrested At Newtown 7-11 After Flashing Gun

A Richboro man has been charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime after an incident that occurred Monday at 7-11 on Sycamore Street in Newtown Township.

Newtown Township Police arrested Peter Frank Palestina Jr., 28, of Lynford Road, Richboro after receiving a report that at 8:15 p.m. Monday he flashed a handgun at another motorist who was attempting to exit the parking lot onto Richboro Road, police said.

Palestina began to turn into the parking lot, blocking the victims’ exit.  The male victim who was driving told police that Palestina was growing visibly angry because he was unable to drive into the lot. The victim told police he asked Palestina to "wait." Palestina responded with an angry retort before he pulled his vehicle slightly forward and showed the victims a small dark-colored handgun. 

The victims then drove out of the lot and called police via 911, providing a description of the vehicle and driver, police said.  The victims followed the vehicle Palestina was driving while still on the phone with 911, providing his direction of travel and location. 

Police located the vehicle in Village of Newtown Shopping Center and confronted Palestina. Police said they detained Palestina and then performed a search, recovering a .32cal gun from the front of his waistband. 

The victims identified Palestina as the person who threatened them.  Palestina was transported to police headquarters before he was taken before Judge Finello who sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Palestina could not be reached for comment Tuesday.