MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — A Sauk-Suiattle police officer accused of threatening bar patrons with a loaded gun pleaded not guilty to one count of harassment Monday.
The Skagit Valley Herald reports 29-year-old Leventine James Hall was charged with harassment with threats to kill after the March 23rd incident outside a Burlington bar.
Court documents said Hall was drinking at the bar and tried to break up a fight between two men while he was leaving.
He reportedly got pushed to the ground, got up, pulled a loaded shotgun out of his vehicle, ejected a live round and made threats toward the men.
His lawyer said he intends to show that some level of self-defense was involved.
Hall is on administrative leave; the court forbids him to own or possess firearms.
Hall’s lawyer asked the court to lift that condition so Hall could return to patrol duty.
That request was denied but can be renewed should Hall be allowed to return to patrol duty.