Palm Harbor man accused of pointing handgun at five juveniles outside brewery
A Palm Harbor man was arrested after allegedly pointing a handgun at five juveniles riding electric bicycles near a Palm Harbor brewery, according to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit.
Deputies said the incident happened around 11:22 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, in the parking lot of a brewery in the 900 block of Florida Avenue, according to the arrest affidavit. The affidavit alleges that Justin Merriam Ashbrook, 49, became agitated by the juveniles’ presence, drew a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun from a waistband holster, pointed it at them and yelled profanities.
All five juveniles told deputies they feared for their lives, according to the affidavit.
The report says Ashbrook later entered the brewery and sat in the bar area, where he consumed alcohol. Deputies found the handgun on him inside the brewery, the affidavit states.
After being read his Miranda rights, Ashbrook acknowledged an altercation with the juveniles but said he was unsure whether he had drawn his firearm, according to the report.
Ashbrook was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and the unlawful carry of a concealed weapon. An arrest affidavit outlines the allegations.
