A Florida man working as a Salvation Army bell ringer was arrested after allegedly trying to stab a Publix supermarket manager outside the store.
Authorities say Steven Pavlik, 63, appeared intoxicated while stationed at a Salvation Army donation setup outside a Publix in Martin County on Wednesday, Dec. 24. Pavlik was assigned to a collection site near the Publix on Kanner Highway, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
In a statement, the MCSO said the situation escalated when the Publix manager stepped outside to speak with Pavlik. Pavlik allegedly became aggressive and attempted to impale the manager using the tripod stand for the donation kettle. Investigators said the manager was not hurt.
Deputies say Pavlik then fled, but officers later found him at his home and took him into custody. The sheriff’s office said he was booked into the Martin County Jail on charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
