Two people charged in shooting incident
BULLSKIN TWP. – Two Connellsville men are in Fayette County Prison following a weekend argument over money that ended with shots being fired and threats of retaliation allegedly being made by those involved in the incident. Charles W. Smith, 46, of 334 Breakiron Road, is charged with attempted criminal homicide, reckless endangerment, harassment, criminal mischief and two counts of aggravated assault in connection with the Sunday morning incident that took place at his residence.
Police have also filed charges against James E. King III, 25, of 101 Nichelson Lane. He is charged with simple assault, terroristic threats, harassment, criminal mischief, possessing an instrument of crime and possession of a prohibited offensive weapon.
According to police, King went to Smith’s residence to collect an unspecified of money allegedly owed to him.
When Smith refused to turn over the money, police said King returned to his vehicle and removed a tire iron and began smashing the windows of a Chevrolet Beretta belonging to Smith’s brother.
Smith, meanwhile, fired a 12-guage shotgun at the front of King’s vehicle, said police.
After departing Breakiron Road residence, police said King then called Smith and threatened to return and “fill the trailer full of lead.”
Police responded to the incident and while interviewing Smith, King returned to the residence.
King was found to have a 3-foot sword and a tire iron in his vehicle, said police.
Both men were arraigned before weekend duty magistrate, District Justice Dwight Shaner and incarcerated after failing to post the separate $5,000 bond amounts imposed during the hearing.
The two face a July 15 preliminary hearing before District Justice Robert Breakiron.