By Jim Clark

Police were called to a Pearl St. apartment building last week on reports of a man armed with a gun threatening residents there.

Upon arrival, officers cautiously approached the third floor level where the suspect, later identified as Stephen Tolliver, 62, was spotted sitting in front of his apartment door with his back to them.

Police said that they heard Tolliver say, “You’ve got the wrong guy,” as they arrived on the scene.

As his hands were not visible to the officers, Tolliver was ordered to show them, at which time he reportedly tossed a revolver down the hallway with his left hand. Tolliver then told police that he had a rifle, according to reports. As he had not shown his right hand, he was again ordered to do so, but he refused to do so.

Tolliver was then ordered not to move as he was cautiously approached by the officers. Police apprehended Tolliver and handcuffed him and the revolver was recovered from the floor.

Police reportedly noticed that Tolliver’s pants were down by his ankles, and seemed to be delusional, speaking of people who were coming to get them. He believed that they were in his apartment and that he had to do something about it, police said.

The reporting party told police that she had heard a commotion in the hallway and looked out to see what was happening. She said that she saw Tolliver with the gun, and that he told her to go back inside and that he had a gun. She then called 911 to report the incident.

Tolliver was placed under arrest and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and carrying a firearm without a license.