Many Residents have contacted Abington Police about a man walking with a AR-15 rifle strapped on his shoulder. The Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy, has issued a letter to the residents in which he states:
“Today we received multiple reports of a suspicious person walking with an AR-15 (rifle) slung behind his back in the area of North Hills, Ardsley, Glenside and the Abington Shopping Center. While this individual’s intentions are unknown, it appears that he is attempting to draw our police officers into a debate or an encounter over his 2nd amendment right to carry this weapon in public.”All of our officers are well aware of this passive-aggressive tactic, as they have been videotaped during at least one encounter with him. While no laws have been broken, this individual’s actions have caused unnecessary alarm to the public, thus diverting valuable police resources from our core mission.”
Of course many are still concerned about the situation but the Chief assured the residents that his officers are on top of this situation and are not taking it lightly.
“As your Chief, I assure you that the Department’s primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our residents, and this man’s actions, while lawful, appear to serve no legitimate purpose. Our Department will continue to balance our duty to protect the 2nd Amendment rights of this individual with our duty to provide public safety to all of our residents.”
For those that might come in contact with this man carrying the rifle, Chief Molloy urged those individuals to not attempt in any way to address the situation. Keep your distance and if you feel unsafe or threatened in any way please dial 911.