Mass shooting thwarted at popular Boone bar, police say

Police officers in Boone said a mass shooting at a popular bar was prevented after an employee at the Boone Saloon called for help and customers spotted a man with guns in the parking lot.

The suspect, Peter Gabaree, was charged with going armed to the terror of the public and resisting arrest.

According to police, Gabaree was holding a loaded Ruger P94 pistol when officers arrived at the bar on King Street in Boone.

Police said he had been inside the Boone Saloon earlier, where he ordered one beer before being asked to leave. The owner said two students spotted Gabaree near his pickup truck, and he told them he couldn't find his wallet.

"He asked the boys to ask our door guy if the wallet was in there," said owner Skip Sinanian. "So those boys came over and said, hey that guy's looking for his wallet, and by the way, he has a gun."

The worker called 911.

Police said Gabaree followed their orders and put down the loaded pistol when they approached him, but he did resist arrest, forcing them to take him onto the ground.

Officers said they found a tactical vest, a shotgun, the pistol and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The police chief credits both the officers and the worker who alerted authorities.

"We think [this] very likely saved a lot of lives," said Chief Andy Lebeau. "The person it appears was preparing weapons. I think it highlights the importance of citizens being vigilant."

A student, Morgan Allison, lives across the street from the bar, which she said students frequent often. She is thankful for the quick response and for the person who called 911.

"It could have been me or my friends there that night," Allison said. "It's just a horrifying thought to think that if someone didn't call 9-1-1 that something tragic could have really happened."

Gabaree is being held at the Watauga County detention center under a $10,000 bond. Police said they have seized all of his weapons.