Man Arrested After Allegedly Brandishing Gun At Bar

April 13, 2024

A man was arrested early last Sunday after he allegedly brandished a gun inside a local sports bar and again in the parking lot, according to Bristol Township police.

Officers responded to a call just after midnight at Taps Sports Bar on Veterans Highway (Route 413). Patrons reported a man with a firearm, police said.

Upon arrival, officers observed a white SUV stopped in the parking lot with the driver, later identified as Daniel Joseph Matles, 32, of the Levittown section of Middletown Township, sticking his hands out of the window, police said.

Matles, who was the driver, informed the responding officer that he had a gun in the vehicle’s glove compartment. He consented to the police retrieving the Ruger EC9, which was found with a round in the chamber, police said.

According to police, Matles exhibited signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, glassy eyes, and the odor of alcohol.

Further investigation showed that Matles had earlier caused a disturbance inside the bar, police said.

A patron told officers that Matles forcibly entered a locked bathroom, police said.

After being told the bathroom was occupied, Matles allegedly pulled out his gun and pointed it at the patron, who then left the area, police said.

Several bar patrons intervened, persuading Matles to holster his weapon and leave the establishment, police said.

Following the altercation inside, Matles reportedly drew his weapon again and walked around the parking lot with the gun at his side. He then entered his SUV and maneuvered it to the center of the lot, where police intercepted him, police said.

Matles was charged with terroristic threats with intent to terrorize another, possession of a weapon, simple assault, reckless endangerment, DUI, public drunkenness, and disorderly conduct. He was preliminarily arraigned before District Judge Kevin Wagner, who set bail at 10 percent of $25,000. Matles was freed Monday after bail was posted.

Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.