Two stun guns and pepper spray were recovered from a 46-year-old Ohio man who was arrested Tuesday after allegedly using a taser during a confrontation in Salem, Massachusetts. Paul Selby of Mogadore, Ohio pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges including assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of carrying a firearm without a license.
The incident occurred just after 8:40 p.m. near the “Bewitched” statue in Town House Square. According to a police report, officers observed a group of preachers with signs yelling at another group. While the dispute initially subsided when the preachers moved across the street, a bystander later informed police that after he voiced concerns to the group, a member pulled a device from a sweatshirt pocket and “zapped it twice in his direction.”
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
During his arraignment in Salem District Court on Wednesday, Selby was released on $5,000 cash bail. Under the terms of that bail, he is prohibited from possessing dangerous weapons or firearms, must stay out of Salem, and is ordered to have no contact with the witness or the victim. He is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 14.
Police Investigation
Police stated that the alleged victim feared he was going to be tased, noting that Selby did not say anything during the encounter. A witness corroborated the account, telling officers they heard a buzzing noise that was “unmistakably a taser.”
Authorities noted that under state law, a stun gun is classified as a firearm. The arrest took place during the city’s “Haunted Happenings” celebrations, a period during which police discourage the possession or display of any weapons. The recovered pepper spray and stun guns were placed in the police department’s evidence room.
