Tarentum woman charged with lying on application to buy gun
A Tarentum woman was charged with a felony after police say she intentionally provided false information about her past when filling out an application to buy a gun at a sporting goods store.
Robin A. Ratz, 66, of Heuser Way was charged by Harrison Township police with a felony count of illegal sale or transfer of a firearm and a lesser charge of providing false information on the gun purchase application she filled out at Dunham’s Sports in the Highlands Mall, according to a criminal complaint.
Harrison police said they were notified by the state on Dec. 7 that Ratz went to Dunham’s Sports on Sept. 17, 2020 and filled out the required paperwork to buy a gun, the complaint said.
Investigators said her application was denied because she answered “No” to the question about whether she had previously been committed to a mental facility.
A background check determined that Ratz was involuntary committed to a mental facility in November 2000, according to authorities.
Ratz faces a preliminary hearing before District Judge Carolyn S. Bengel on Jan. 26.
Tony LaRussa is a TribLive reporter. A Pittsburgh native, he covers crime and courts in the Alle-Kiski Valley. He can be reached at tlarussa@triblive.com.
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