Motel manager threatens with shotgun

When West Plains police arrived on scene to investigate a subject brandishing a shotgun , James Bressi admitted saying, “You don’t speak English, but you speak 12-gauge” to potential guests at the motel he manages.

 

Officers responded to a call from the West Plains Motel on September 23 and made contact with Bressi, who stated he was the general manager of the allegedly then-closed motel, according to court documents.

 

Bressi’s version of events was that two individuals walked toward him, and, fearing for his life, he retrieved a black tactical Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun from his room and held the muzzle downward, with his finger off the trigger while approaching the victims. He admitted to waving the shotgun to obtain the victim's attention, but denies pointing it at them.

 

The two victims stated to officers that they were coming to the motel in search of accommodations, not realizing the motel was closed. Both prospective customers-turned-victims said that they feared harm from the motel manager.

 

During the investigation, officers observed no “no trespassing signs” posted on the property. The only sign indicating the business was closed was located on the lobby door, notes the probable cause statement.

 

The defendent is charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon. At the October 5, arraignment, Bressi pleaded not guilty and requested time to speak with the prosecuting attorney’s office.. He is scheduled to appear in Howell County Courts on November 9.