by WILKES-BARRE TWP., Pa. — A bizarre altercation at a business in the East End Centre complex has led to criminal charges against a 39-year-old man after an elderly customer reportedly passed gas while waiting in line — an event that spiraled into violence and drew national attention, even sparking conversations in places as far as Wyoming.
According to Wilkes-Barre Township police, Chazz Pearson, a resident of Butler Street, became enraged after the man in front of him passed gas inside CSL Plazma on May 16. Although the elderly man immediately apologized, the criminal complaint states that Pearson didn’t accept the apology and responded by striking the man in the head.
The situation escalated when the victim’s son attempted to step in. Police say Pearson allegedly assaulted him as well.
Surveillance footage captured the incident, which helped police piece together the events leading to Pearson’s arrest.
Pearson now faces multiple charges, including simple assault, harassment, and disorderly conduct. The case has been filed with District Judge Michael Dotzel, and a preliminary hearing is set for July 7 at the Luzerne County Central Court.
While the incident occurred in Pennsylvania, its unusual nature has caught the attention of social media users and media outlets across state lines — including in Wyoming — sparking widespread discussions about public behavior and unexpected violence.
