Armed Robbery Suspect Facing Stiff Charges Under New Law SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WGGB) — Fake gun, real charges. It’s a story only ABC40 brought to you with chilling video of a violent armed robbery last week in Springfield. An accused robber, caught on camera, fighting with a clerk. “It is shocking to some extent. You think about the stupidity of it, as well,” Gun Owners Action League Director Mark Jester said. “But to see that happen here locally was a crazy event.” Especially “crazy” because police confirm the “gun” 20 year old Fernell Pelzer used to attack the clerk, was fake. Now, the suspect is among the first in the state to be charged under the state’s new so-called “fake gun law.” It’s all part of comprehensive gun legislation just signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick last month. As part of the changes, Pelzer faces the same stiff armed robbery charges as if he used a real gun. Jester says prior to the new law, things were simply unfair. “The criminal knows the law, knows that if they use something in semblance of a gun they are not going to get the penalty for an armed robbery or armed assault and they will be able to basically use the court system to get in and out with a hand slap,” Jester said. Pelzer is now facing between 15 years to life in prison, if convicted. Jester says his organization has advocating for the new law for 10 years. “We are a little vindicated here,” Jester said. “We see that this particular type of crime, which has been used and has happened across the country a number of times, now is going to have some real teeth to it, this law has some teeth and it’s going to put criminals behind bars, where they belong.” In this case, the clerk chased Pelzer away by showing his legally licensed, real gun. He did not use it, however. The clerk held Pelzer until police arrived. Jester says the incident validates legal, peaceful gun owners and proves the value of the new bill. Pelzer was held on under $5,000 bail at his arraignment September 11th. He’s also facing a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon for striking the clerk. Pelzer is due back in court October 10th for a probable cause hearing.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 03:21:54 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015