Man Arrested After Refusing to Leave Fitness Club

Upper St. Clair police arrested a man visiting the area from South Carolina outside of on Monday.

William Lee Kernan, 47, of West Columbia, SC, was charged with one count of resisting arrest, one count of defiant trespass and two counts of disorderly conduct. 

On Monday morning, Upper St. Clair police received a complaint of a suspicious person at the McLaughlin Run Road fitness club, according to the criminal complaint filed with district Judge Robert Wyda. 

When police arrived, the manager told police Kernan was being loud and disruptive, causing fear in in staff and other patrons. According to the criminal complaint, the manager also told police Kernan had previously been disruptive at the club and was asked never to return. 

Police stated they escorted him from the water massage area and outside of the building, where Kernan refused to answer police questions and lied about his name, address and date of birth. 

Police then arrested Kernan for trespassing, but according to the complaint, it took the assistance from additional officers to subdue him.

Monday's incident was not Kernan's first run-in with trouble at a local fitness club. According to Director of Recreation and Leisure Services Paul Besterman, Kernan was suspended from the when staff saw he brought alcohol with him into the outdoor pool area, which is prohibited, on June 30.

Kernan is currently in the Allegheny County Jail. He reportedly burst out laughing at the arraignment when district Judge Wyda set his bond at $50,000. District Judge Wyda also ordered Kernan to undergo a mental evaluation.