CLARION TWP., Pa. (EYT) — Charges stemming from a dispute over two cats that led to the arrest of a Clarion man have been waived for court.

According to court documents, the case against 24-year-old John Scott Stephens, of Clarion, has been transferred to the Clarion County Court of Common Pleas.

Stephens faces the following charges:

• Terroristic Threats W/ Intent To Terrorize Another, Felony 3 (2 counts)
• Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2 (2 counts)
• Harassment – Comm. Lewd, Threatening, Etc., Misdemeanor 3 (2 counts)

Two counts of Aggravated Assault, a second-degree felony offense, have been withdrawn.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Clarion-based State Police Trooper Huffman, the incident occurred when Stephens arrived at a Robinwood Drive apartment around 4:40 p.m. on June 15. Stephens allegedly demanded that the female victim “give him his two cats back.”

When the victim declined to comply with Stephens’ demands, he allegedly brandished a BB gun. The dispute escalated when Stephens allegedly brandished a butterfly knife and threatened to use it on the victim, “if he did not get his cats back,” the complaint states.

Stephens also allegedly threatened to “burn down” the victim’s trailer and then use the knife on the female victim and a male victim, the complaint continues.

Stephens is also accused of sending threatening text messages to the female victim prior to the incident, the complaint indicates.

He is free on $5,000.00 unsecured bail.

The case is working its way through the court system.