Britt Reid Freed on Bail

  by David Henry and Bob Monek

February 6, 2007 (WPVI) -- Britt Reid walked free on bail following an arraignment on drug and weapons charges in which he did not enter a plea.

Reid had surrendered to authorities in West Conshohocken at noontime to face charges stemming from a traffic incident last week.

He was arraigned on nine counts, including making terroristic threats, possession of a controlled substance and a felony charge of carrying a firearm without a license.

Reid got into an argument with another motorist Jan. 30, allegedly pointing a handgun at the man before driving off, prosecutors said.

Reid told police that it was a flashlight, not a gun.

Investigators say the other driver, Larry Johnson of Springfield, Delaware County, was terrified.

"I know from the statements that he gave to police that his life really flashed before his eyes. He was thinking about his wife and his soon to be delivered child. He had no idea what was about to happen to him," said Risa Ferman, the assistant district attorney.

Johnson told police that Reid smiled after pointing the gun and then drove off.

He called police with the license number of Reid's SUV.

Police caught up with him later that day at the scene of an accident involving his older brother, Garrett.

When they searched Reid's SUV, police say they found a shotgun, illegal drugs, cocaine, marijuana and oxycodone pills.

They also searched his parents' house and found a gun matching the description given by the other driver.

Reid faces one felony count and eight misdemeanors.

The felony, carrying a firearm without a license, carries a seven-year jail term with a mandatory minimum.

Police continue to investigate Garrett Reid, who they say admitted he shot up with heroin before running a light and hitting another car.

Police found drug paraphernalia and a weapon in his car.

The prosecutor says coach Reid's sons are not getting any kind of preferential treatment.

"The police did everything that they needed to do conduct a thorough, fair and competent investigation," said Ferman.

The district attorney says the charges against Reid will be pursued aggressively.

Britt Reid posted 10 percent of $100,000 bail. He was released under the condition that he not drive, except to school, and that he undergo random drug and alcohol testing.

Note: Some information supplied by the Associated Press.

(Copyright 2007 by Action News and 6abc. All Rights Reserved.)