MONTGOMERY — It was about 9:40 Sunday morning when state police received a report that a man was standing outside a store at Main and Montgomery streets pointing a “machine gun” at passing motorists.

Taken into custody at the scene was David J. Pierce, 37, 34 N. Main St., who had what looked very much like a machine gun, but was not a firearm, police said.

Two people told state troopers Pierce was aiming the item “at multiple vehicles, and buildings,” according to a police affidavit.

What Pierce had was a “High Tower Armory chassis 9mm for a pistol, and on the chassis was a 30 round .233 caliber rifle magazine,” the affidavit stated. By itself, there would be no way bullets could be discharged, police said.

Pierce, “who appeared to be under the influence of one or more controlled substances,” denied pointing the High Tower at anyone,” claiming he was “making a movie,” the affidavit stated.

Following his arraignment before District Judge Aaron Biichle on charges of recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, simple assault, disorderly conduct and harassment, Pierce was committed to the Lycoming County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail.