Area Man Creates Public Disturbance at Clearfield Sheetz

Clearfield borough police are investigating an act of alleged terrorism at a local convenience store, and the suspect remains on the lam.
Police say the drama began when Craig Gardner, 58, of Clearfield stopped for snuff as usual at Snappy’s.
In an encounter captured by video surveillance, the clerk at Snappy’s, familiar with Mr. Gardner’s sudden and unusually weird outbursts of rage, ducked behind a trash can before yelling, “we’re all out of your brand of snuff! Don’t try anything, I’ve already pushed the panic button.”
Fuming but determined, Gardner then drove to Sheetz on Race and Nichols streets, according to eyewitness accounts. As soon as he entered the store, all other patrons either froze in their tracks or scattered and ran out the other door! The clerk at Sheetz stood trembling as he approached her.
Her voice quavering, she told him that his brand of snuff was out. That the shipment had not arrived yet.
Steam allegedly poured out of Craig’s ears. Police say he grabbed a bag of potato chips, smashing it to smithereens, and said, “I’m taking this!” and threw a couple of $1 bills at her.
Paramedics treated some witnesses for hyperventilation at the scene. At least one woman is hospitalized at UPMC Altoona for treatment of trauma-induced psychosis.
Police say Gardner drives a conspicuously clean Dodge Ram pick-up truck. If the weather is nice, he may be on motorcycle. Police advised the public to run for cover if Gardner is encountered without snuff.