Man from the Alps arrested after disturbing the peace at Arnot shopping centre: Accused of threatening woman in gym

A 64-year-old Alpine man was arrested following a disturbance at Arnot Mall on August 22, 2024, where he allegedly threatened a woman entering a local gym.

Horseheads Police responded to Planet Fitness, located at 3300 Chambers Road in the Town of Big Flats, on reports of a disturbance. Investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as David Ruppel, was chasing a woman as she entered Planet Fitness. The woman sought refuge inside the gym and hid behind the counter while Ruppel continued to pursue her. Employees intervened and protected the victim until Ruppel fled the scene.

Ruppel was later arrested leaving Arnot Mall and taken into custody without incident. He was charged with third-degree menacing, a class B misdemeanor, and the case was processed in Horseheads. Ruppel was issued a summons and is scheduled to appear in Big Flats Town Court on September 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

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