Pottstown Army/Navy Ambivalent On In-Store Gun Policy

The Pottstown Army/Navy store – like many other local businesses – has a "no gun" policy, which prohibits customers from carrying weapons into the establishment.

Exceptions are typically made for uniformed law-enforcement personnel, who have to openly carry weapons and firearms as a part of their job, but on Feb. 16, Constable Joshua Stouch learned the hard way that no means no – sometimes.

"I went into the Pottstown Army/Navy Store on High Street to obtain some duty-belt equipment, as I have many times before," said Stouch. "I was on duty, in a fully marked and recognizable uniform as a State Constable serving process in the area of the store."

Stouch stated that upon entry to the building, he was immediately met by the owner, who asked what he was doing there. 

"I said I was there to purchase something, and [the owner] pointed at the sign on the door that says 'no firearms'," said Stouch. "I told him I hadn't seen the sign, and that I was on-duty and needed some items."

Despite identifying himself as law-enforcement, the owner stated that Stouch could not shop there while carrying a weapon, and requested that he place his weapon and gear into his vehicle, according to Stouch. The owner then questioned Stouch about shopping while on-duty, and explained that the store forbids anyone from entering with a weapon.

"I then stated 'Understood. Have a nice day,' and left," said Stouch.

In an interview with Patch regarding the store's policy, the owner – who identified himself as Mr. Chon while refusing to give his first name – stated that while the policy applies to customers, he routinely allows law-enforcement personnel to carry their weapons in the store.

When questioned about the Feb. 16 incident involving Constable Stouch, Chon reversed course.

"I don't know why he was carrying a gun," said Chon. "He should have just left it in his car."

Chon stated that he did not know what a constable was, but he has had run-ins with people disguising themselves as police.

"People have come into the store with a uniform, a nosering, and a gun," said Chon. "They're pretending to be cops."

When questioned further about how he decides which people are allowed to carry a weapon in the store, Chon indicated that he can tell the difference between real and fake police, even after it was pointed out that he was unable to identify an on-duty constable.

Chon concluded the interview by saying he would rather that all customers leave their weapons in the car. 

"It's dangerous in the streets," said Chon.

Suffice to say, law-enforcement personnel should be weary of entering the store while on duty. Sometimes.

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