Franklin man accused of pulling gun near school barred from possessing firearms

A Franklin man accused of pulling a gun on an Indian Community School staff member must stay away from the school and cannot possess a firearm for 10 years.

Steven Trudell, 62, has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of endangering safety by use of a dangerous weapon and disorderly conduct.


A judge on Thursday granted a 10-year injunction - a long-term court order similar to a restraining order - protecting the staff member and the Indian Community School.

According to the criminal complaint, the staff member called Franklin police at 3:53 p.m. Sept. 16 and reported that a man had pulled a gun on him. The employee was seated in a Bobcat and clearing brush and trees along the school's property line near 10405 W. St. Martins Road.

Police responded and spoke with Trudell. Trudell said his son saw the employee cutting down trees on their property through footage from a trail camera, according to the complaint.

Trudell told investigators he went to the area with a Glock in his hand and  waved the individual down with the gun in his hand,  the complaint says. He said he was  ticked off  because someone was destroying his hunting land.

Police said they found a Glock 40 in Trudell's truck. There was no round in the chamber, but the gun's magazine contained nine rounds, according to the complaint. Investigators said Trudell told them he displayed the gun  to show he was serious about shutting the machine down. 

The injunction requires Trudell to  remain at least 500 feet away from all property owned by the school when there are visible employees, staff or students on the premises.  He also is prohibited from possessing a firearm while the order remains in effect.

He is free on bail and is scheduled to return to court Oct. 29 for a pretrial conference.

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