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Alexander Christian Murray, 27, of Carlisle, showed up for initial intake testing at the MEPS on Wednesday, Nov. 13, but employees quickly suspected he was under the influence of alcohol, according to Lower Allen Township police. Staff reportedly confronted Murray about his condition, and he became increasingly uncooperative.
The 6’5” man reportedly walked into the women’s restroom before security guards escorted him out. He then searched for a non-existent bag in the property storage room, officers said. When informed he hadn’t arrived with one, Murray allegedly began yelling, threatening to beat the guards, and even to take their gun and shoot them.
Security staff restrained Murray until police arrived, describing him as belligerent and disorderly. Responding officers noted a strong smell of alcohol on Murray’s breath and said he continued to shout obscenities at staff while being detained. A preliminary breath test at Cumberland County Prison confirmed he had been drinking, police said.
Murray was charged with the following offenses:
- Felony Terroristic Threats (two counts).
- Misdemeanor Simple Assault (two counts).
- Misdemeanor Defiant Trespass.
- Misdemeanor Harassment (two counts for lewd and threatening language).
- Summary Disorderly Conduct.
- Summary Public Drunkenness.
He was initially held in Cumberland County Prison after being unable to post bail, which was set at $5,000, according to court records. Theodora Costopoulos, a professional bondsman, posted the bail on Saturday, Nov. 16, allowing his release.
Murray’s preliminary arraignment was held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 10:20 p.m. before Judge Elizabeth S. Beckley. His preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for Nov. 21, has been continued to Thursday, Dec. 5, at 1:15 p.m., to be heard by Magisterial District Judge Christopher Delozier.
He has previously faced charges in North Carolina for an alleged sexual assault but the details of the case were not immediately available.
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