URBANA, Ill. (WAND) – A man accused of calling police and then pointing a pellet gun at them pleaded not guilty.
Samuel Applebaum, 23, faces a false alarm charge after a confrontation at about 6:30 p.m. on July 12 in the intersection of John and Locust streets in Champaign. Police say Applebaum said someone was loading a semi-automatic weapon in that area.
When officers arrived, they say they found Applebaum holding a gun that looked real but turned out to be a air pellet gun. They say three officers fired shots when he refused to put the weapon down, leaving him with a leg wound. Applebaum went to Carle Foundation Hospital for treatment.
His plea came in a Monday court appearance. Court records say Applebaum requested a jury trial and waived a preliminary hearing. His bond is set at $100,000.
Records show Applebaum is required to go through mental health treatment if it’s recommended by a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Applebaum’s next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.
