A Canandaigua resident was arrested Wednesday for menacing a police officer and criminal impersonation following an August incident where he allegedly threatened an officer with a samurai sword. William R. Pealo, 42, faces charges after police say he confronted an officer on August 6, 2024, during an unrelated investigation.
Authorities reported that Pealo brandished the sword, moving toward the officer in a threatening manner, putting him in fear of serious harm. The officer managed to retreat and attempted to deescalate the situation. During the encounter, Pealo also displayed a badge and falsely claimed to be a law enforcement officer.
Pealo was taken to Clifton Springs Hospital for evaluation at the time and was formally arrested on September 18. He was transported to Ontario County Jail for arraignment.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].