News

November 17, 2009

Threat charges go forward

Cops: Man torched van at car dealership

By Edward Lewis elewis@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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PLAINS TWP. – A Scranton man charged with threatening a sales consultant and setting a van on fire at an area car dealership waived his right to a preliminary hearing before District Judge Diana Malast on Monday.

John Walton, 58, calmly walked into the courtroom while being escorted by Luzerne County sheriff deputies, a stark contrast to when he refused to get out of a cruiser and had to be carried by officers in separate proceedings.

Laflin and Plains Township police accuse Walton of threatening Joseph Berretta and burning his Ford van in front of Coccia Ford Lincoln Mercury on Oct. 27.

His lawyer, Dennis Mark, said Walton is in need of treatment.

“I don’t believe my client is an evil man,” Mark said. “I think there are issues that need to be dealt with; fortunately, there are specific programs within (Luzerne) county that are appropriate for him.”

Mark said Walton is remorseful and apologetic.

Laflin police allege in arrest records that Walton showed up at the dealership complaining about transmissions problems on his van. Berretta, a sales consultant, went for a ride with Walton on state Route 315.

During the ride, arrest records say, Berretta told Walton he did not detect any problems with the van. Walton accelerated to 100 mph and ordered Berretta out of the van when he slowed to 20 mph on the roadway.

Walton returned to the dealership and torched his van, according to arrest records.

At his initial arraignment on Oct. 27, Walton refused to get out of the cruiser, prompting the arraignment to take place in an ambulance garage bay. When he was arraigned on arson charges, Walton intentionally banged his head on a door and dropped to the floor in the courtroom.

“He’s very sorry for what happened,” Mark said. “There are certain underlying issues that this is a result of. Hopefully, we’ll get him the proper care and treatment and he’ll be taken care of.”

Berretta declined to comment after the brief hearing.

Walton waived four counts of arson, and one count each of reckless endangerment, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and reckless driving to Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas. He remains jailed at the county prison for lack of $75,000 bail.

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