Ex-County Council Candidate Pulled Gun Outside Meeting: Police

PLUM, PA— A former Allegheny County Council candidate is accused of pulling a gun outside of a Plum Borough GOP meeting Thursday evening.

Eric Casteel, 62, faces three counts each of terroristic threats, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person, according to court documents.

The alleged incident occurred at the Plum Community Center on New Texas Road, where Casteel became angry and started yelling before leaving the meeting.

WTAE-TV reported that three men attempting to deescalate the situation followed Casteel outside and observed him putting a gun in his waistband. Casteel allegedly approached the trio, aimed the gun at them and threatened to shoot them.

Casteel then fled the scene and later was arrested at his home.

Casteel ran for the county council District 8 seat in 2001. The Republican lost to Democrat Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis by a 12,262-7,809 margin, according to county election records.