Schuyler County man arrested after disturbance at Arnot Mall

BIG FLATS, N.Y. ( WETM ) — An Alpine man was arrested Thursday after an incident at the Arnot Mall where police said he chased someone into a local gym.

According to a release from New York State Police, 64-year-old David Ruppel was arrested on Thursday, Aug. 23, after an incident outside/inside Planet Fitness at the Arnot Mall.

Police said that around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, a female victim was walking into the gym when Ruppel started to chase after her. The victim ran into the gym and hid behind the counter as Ruppel continued after her, but never managed to touch her.

Employees from the gym helped the victim from Ruppel, protecting her while awaiting the police.

Police said that Ruppel left the scene and was found by troopers exiting the mall where he was arrested.

Ruppel was charged with menacing in the third degree, a class B misdemeanor, and was taken to the state police barracks in Horseheads for processing where he was issued an appearance ticket to the Town of Big Flats Court on Sept. 5, at 6 p.m.

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