Welcome to Arrest Stories. A sixty-three-year-old Salvation Army bell ringer in Martin County was arrested after allegedly becoming intoxicated on duty and attacking a store manager with a donation stand tripod. Here's what may have happened.
Steven Pavlik had been hired as a Salvation Army bell ringer and was stationed at the collection site outside the Publix on Kanner Highway. According to police reports, instead of collecting donations and spreading holiday cheer, Pavlik became intoxicated while working his shift.
Witnesses reported that Pavlik began aggressively confronting people walking by the store entrance, creating what officials described as a major disturbance outside the establishment. His behavior escalated throughout his shift, prompting concern from store management and customers.
When the Publix manager came outside to speak with Pavlik about his conduct, the situation turned violent. Police reports indicate that Pavlik attempted to impale the manager with the donation kettle tripod. The manager was able to avoid serious injury during the attack.
Following the assault, Pavlik fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. Officers later located and arrested him on charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
Officials commented on the incident, stating that Pavlik acted more like bad santa, becoming intoxicated on duty and aggressively confronting people walking by, creating a major disturbance outside the store. Another official noted that Pavlik tried his hand at some part-time Christmas charity work, however drunk ringing, belligerent tidings and assault took him from bell duty to booking blotter after a full blown charity tirade.
The incident occurred during the busy holiday shopping season when Salvation Army bell ringers are a common sight outside retail establishments collecting donations for charitable causes.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.