CLARION BOROUGH, Pa. (EYT) – A Clarion man is behind bars after he allegedly brandished a knife and threatened multiple patrons inside the American Legion Saturday night.

Ronald Joseph Tribley, 40, is facing the following charges in connection with the incident:

• Terroristic Threats W/ Intent To Terrorize, Misdemeanor 1 (3 counts)
• Terroristic Threats Cause Serious Public Inconvenience, Misdemeanor 1 (3 counts)
• Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2 (3 count)
• Disorderly Conduct Engage In Fighting, Misdemeanor 3
• Harassment — Comm. Lewd, Threatening, Language, Misdemeanor 3 (2 counts)
• Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary

According to a criminal complaint filed Monday at District Magistrate Duane Quinn’s office, Clarion Borough Police Officer Fox was dispatched around 6:15 p.m. on June 10 for a report of a fight at the American Legion on Main Street in Clarion.

While Officer Fox was on his way to the American Legion, a Clarion County 911 dispatcher reported that the man had just left the building via the back door. The suspect, who was later identified as Ronald Tribley, was described as a white male with a “big bushy beard” who was wearing glasses and a white cut-off shirt.

While driving on Merle Street, Officer Fox observed a man matching the suspect’s description walking north on Center Place near Vinny’s Italian Restaurant.

Fox exited his patrol car and instructed Tribley to stop. Tribley allegedly ignored the commands. Officer Fox then told Tribley to stop and turn around. When Tribley turned around, he had his right hand underneath his shirt. Fox withdrew his Taser and ordered Tribley to “show his hands and get down on the ground.” At this point, Tribley complied and was handcuffed by Officer Fox.

According to the criminal complaint, Tribley allegedly smelled like alcohol and had slurred speech and bloodshot, glassy eyes. He was also seen staggering while walking on Center Place.

When questioned about the knife, Tribley said he did not have one and was unaware of what Officer Fox was talking about. Fox searched Tribley for safety purposes and did not find a knife.

Officer Fox then explained to Tribley that he was placed in handcuffs because he was accused of threatening patrons at the American Legion with a knife. Tribley said that “he did no such thing and that it was all a setup and they have cameras everywhere watching all of us.”

Clarion University Public Safety Officer Guntrum arrived at the scene a short time later to assist Officer Fox. At this time, Officer Fox took Tribley back to his patrol car and asked Officer Guntrum to remain with him.

The criminal complaint states that Officer Fox went to the American Legion and met with the bartender who called 911. She produced an orange Mossy Oak knife and a steak knife that Tribley had in his possession at the bar.

Officer Fox asked the bartender who was involved in the altercation and she pointed out the individuals.

One of the men involved in the altercation said that Tribley was “really intoxicated” and made racial remarks about one of the patrons in the building. The man said that Tribley continued to state that “there shouldn’t be any [racial slur] allowed in this bar.”

At that point, the bartender asked Tribley to leave because he was intoxicated and was causing problems in the bar.

Tribley allegedly said he wasn’t going to leave without a fight. Then, two men escorted him to the door. Tribley pushed the two men away and allegedly pulled out an orange knife and threatened them with it.

Tribley allegedly said he wasn’t leaving “without causing some problems and was not leaving without a fight.”

A third man came up behind Tribley and shoved him against the bar forcing him to drop the knife. The men then forced Tribley out the back door.

Tribley was arraigned before District Judge Jeffrey Miller at 10:00 p.m. on June 10.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. on June 20 at District Judge Quinn’s office.

Tribley remains lodged in the Clarion County Jail on $7,500.00 cash bail.