Police: Drunk gunman threatens to ‘shoot up’ York Walmart

A Clover man was arrested at York’s Walmart Sunday after threatening to “shoot up” the store if a clerk didn’t let him leave with a shotgun, according to a York police report.

Joshua Zirkle, 26, entered the store and asked the clerk at the firearms counter to see a 12 gauge shotgun, the report states. After looking at the weapon, Zirkle handed it back and said he needed to call his wife to ask for permission to buy the gun.

He then motioned the clerk to the end of the counter and pulled up his shirt to reveal a handgun in his waistband. Zirkle said he was going to walk out of the store with the shotgun the clerk had showed him, the report states.

If anyone stopped him from leaving, Zirkle said he would “shoot up” the store, the report states. He allowed the clerk to help other customers at the counter but continued to stand nearby and watch him.

When police arrived at the store, Zirkle was sitting on the floor two aisles from the sporting goods section. The report describes him as “extremely intoxicated.” Officers found Zirkle had a handgun, shotgun shells and a pocket knife.

He was initially charged with disorderly conduct and shoplifting. He was booked at the Moss Justice Center on an attempted armed robbery charge. Bond has been set at $25,000.

This story was originally published October 15, 2013 at 12:03 PM.