Thursday, Aug. 25, 2011 | 7:15 a.m.
John David Radell
A Pahrump man claiming to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder allegedly threatened several people with a gun Wednesday night and early this morning before deputies arrested him, officials said.
Nye County Sheriff’s officials said the string of events began just before midnight Wednesday when deputies responded to 1700 S. Pahrump Valley Blvd. for reports of a man holding a gun to someone’s head during a verbal dispute. The suspect, 43-year-old John David Radell, fled the scene before deputies arrived, officials said.
Several minutes later, deputies responded to a similar call at the Terrible Country Store gas station at 1801 South Highway 160. Radell allegedly had entered the gas station, engaged in another verbal argument with a patron and put a gun to the person’s head, deputies said.
During the encounter, Radell allegedly struck the patron with the gun, but he left the store before authorities arrived.
Deputies caught up with Radell at 1:39 a.m. for reports of a suicide threat at his home, 2240 S. Winery Road, officials said. Radell allegedly pointed the gun at his wife and then fired a round into the wall.
Radell initially failed to follow deputies’ orders to drop his firearm, but he eventually agreed and was taken into custody without incident, authorities said.
Radell, who was under the influence of marijuana and alcohol, told deputies his actions were an attempt to garner attention to PTSD issues he suffered stemming from service in the war, officials said. Authorities have not verified Radell’s claims of service in the U.S. Army, which he said included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Radell admitted his doctors advised him not to drink alcohol with his condition or mix marijuana with his medications, authorities said.
He was booked into the Nye County Detention Center in connection on a variety of charges, including assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence and drug paraphernalia possession. Bail was set at $46,744.
