Inset: Steven Pavlik (Martin County Sheriff”s Office). Background: The Publix supermarket at Kanner Crossing in Stuart, Florida (Google Maps).
A Salvation Army bell ringer allegedly attempted to attack a Publix manager with a spear when the manager confronted him for his unruly behavior outside the store, according to Florida authorities.
Steven Pavlik, 63, faces charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest, as detailed in a press release from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office did not specify the exact date of the incident, mentioning only that it took place in the days leading up to Christmas.
Pavlik was reportedly engaged in “part-time Christmas charity work” as a Salvation Army bell ringer at the Publix supermarket located in Kanner Crossing, Stuart, according to the sheriff’s office statement on Wednesday.
Instead of bringing festive joy, Pavlik allegedly began to “aggressively confront” passersby, causing a significant disturbance outside the store, law enforcement officials reported.
Authorities suspect that Pavlik was under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
The store manager of the Publix supermarket reportedly came outside to speak to Pavlik, but the suspect was apparently not interested in a chat. The defendant “became violent and attempted to impale the manager with the donation kettle tripod,” the sheriff’s office said, noting the employee was not hurt.
Pavlik subsequently left the area, and law enforcement responded.
Deputies ended up finding the defendant at his home, and he was arrested and booked into the Martin County Jail. As of Saturday, he is no longer listed as being in custody.
Salvation Army bell ringers set up in public spaces and ring a bell to attract new people and encourage donations for the less fortunate.
Stuart is located on the state’s Atlantic Coast, about 100 miles north of Miami.
