Disabled adult brandishing revolver sued by man and wife

Two Smithton residents claim a disabled adult threatened to kill them when he broke into their home and forced them into their basement while holding a loaded revolver.

Charles E. Smith and Erin L. Stahl, the alleged attacker's wife, filed a lawsuit Feb. 25 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Terris E. Stahl through his guardians Terry E Stahl and Aletha I. Stahl.

Smith and Erin Stahl claim they obtained an order of protection in March 2009 prohibiting Terris Stahl from entering their home at 5921 Robinson School Rd. Despite the order, Terris Stahl broke into the home on April 6 by breaking a sliding glass door, according to the complaint.

Terris Stahl then approached Smith and Erin Stahl, threatened to kill them while brandishing a loaded revolver, forced them into the basement at gunpoint and fired the revolver in the basement, the suit states.

In their four-count complaint, Smith and Erin Stahl allege assault and false imprisonment against Terris Stahl.

They seek a judgment of more than $200,000, plus costs.

P. Michael Read of the Law Offices of P. Michael Read in Belleville will be representing them.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 10-L-89.