Man charged with carrying concealed weapon without permit, DUI in Tionesta

FOREST CO., PA (EYT) — Charges have been filed against an Allegheny County man for allegedly carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, as well as driving under the influence, in Tionesta.

Marienville-based State Police have filed the following criminal charges against a 66-year-old man, according to court records. Chris A. Sowinskiof Cheswick, Allegheny County, on June 3, 2024, in the chambers of District Judge Daniel L. Miller:

• Unauthorized firearms without a license, crime 3
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, misdemeanor (4 counts)
• Marijuana – personal use in small quantities, misdemeanor
• Use/possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor
• Dangerous/Physical Offense for Disorderly Conduct, Summary
• Vehicle in service without valid inspection, summary
• Reckless driving summary

According to the criminal complaint, on April 20, 2024, at approximately 12:38 p.m., Marienville State Police Trooper Dylan Cyphert was driving south on Elm Street in the Tionesta neighborhood of Forest County. He observed a white Ford F-150 pickup truck traveling north on Elm Street with an expired inspection sticker. He turned around and began driving north on Elm Street to follow the vehicle.

The complaint states the vehicle turned right into Haller's General Store/Gas Station and stopped at the gas pump. A traffic stop was conducted in the parking lot of the Haller's store. The driver exited the vehicle to collect fuel and was advised to get back into the vehicle.

Trooper Cyphert approached the passenger side and observed an occupant in the vehicle. Trooper Cyphert identified himself as a Pennsylvania State Trooper and explained the reason for the stop as the expired November 2023 inspection, the complaint states.

It was noted in the complaint that a strong odor of burning marijuana was detected.

The complaint states that Sowinski appeared disturbed and confused when asked for his documents. He was positively identified by a valid Pennsylvania driver's license.

Trooper Cyphert observed that Sowinski had bloodshot eyes, according to the complaint.

When asked if there was marijuana in the vehicle, Sowinski initially said he was staying in a motel room at a Tionesta golf course and had left it in his room. When asked when he last smoked, Sowinski responded “about 30 minutes ago, before we left the golf course,” according to the complaint.

During the interview with Sowinski, a revolver was seen on the floorboard of the front passenger side. There was also ammunition near the gun, the complaint continues.

Asked about a concealment permit, Sowinski said he did not have a valid one, the complaint states.

Trooper Cyphert recovered the firearm for further investigation. It was determined that the firearm was concealed in the vehicle and was improperly transferred because it was not in a separate container from the ammunition, according to the complaint.

Standardized field sobriety tests were conducted and indicators of impairment were observed, the complaint states.

Sowinski was transported to Titusville Hospital and consented to a legal blood draw. The sealed blood kit was sent to NMS Laboratories for testing.

Toxicology results were received on May 8, 2024, from NMS Labs, according to the complaint.

The results contained the following information:

• Delta 9 Carboxy THC — 14 plus or minus 4 ng/ml
• Delta 9 THC — 2.3 plus or minus 0.7 ng/ml
• Amphetamine — 42 plus or minus 13 ng/mL
• Methamphetamine — 270 plus or minus 80 ng/mL
• Buprenorphine — Free — 3.3 plus or minus 1.0 ng/ml
• Norbuprenorphine — Free — 1.7 plus or minus 0.5 ng/ml

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., with Judge Daniel L. Miller presiding.