A 53-year-old Mascotte man was arrested on a weapons charge after he reportedly threatened and showed a gun to a man who wouldn’t buy a leaf blower from him outside a Leesburg convenience store.
Terry Corness Elliott was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill after the incident, which happened around noon Tuesday at the Circle K store at 900 S. 14th St.
Elliott had already been detained by a Leesburg police officer when the investigating officer arrived at the store. The handgun was removed from the right hip area of his waistband. Elliott told the officer he only showed the gun by raising his shirt and never removed it from the holster, according to the police report.
A database search confirmed that Elliott’s driver’s license and concealed carry permit were valid. The gun was a 9mm Taurus 2GC and had not been reported stolen, the report said.
The victim told the officer that Elliott approached him and asked him if he wanted to buy a newer Stihl brand leaf blower for $100. The victim said he told Elliott no and to “get lost.” He said Elliott replied, “I should beat your ass,” according to the police report.
The victim said he continued to walk away from Elliott and told him he wasn’t scared. He said Elliott walked towards him while saying, “Oh yeah?” Elliott then lifted his shirt, revealing the pistol in a holster on his right hip, the report said.
The victim said he continued to walk away and said, “Really?” He told the officer that at that point, he feared for his life and called 911 for assistance. The victim said Elliott continued to shout at him and threaten to batter him while he was calling 911, according to the report.
Three witnesses corroborated the victim’s account. Elliott was placed under arrest and taken to the police station for booking. He was transferred to the Lake County Jail and released later Tuesday afternoon on $2,000 bond.
Elliott is scheduled to appear in Lake County Court on Aug. 22.
