Allegedly fired round from handgun while running from police
Charges held for court against Homestead man
Most charges were held for court Tuesday against a Homestead man accused of firing a round from a handgun while running from police in Uniontown in January.
Uniontown police Officer Matthew S. Painter said Anthony Mackey, 23, was charged before Magisterial District Judge Wendy D. Dennis with carrying a firearm without a license, carrying a firearm with an altered serial number, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, recklessly endangering another person, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, providing false reports to law enforcement and public drunkenness.
Following a preliminary hearing Tuesday afternoon, Magisterial District Judge Michael M. Metros held all charges to Fayette County Court against Mackey except the charges of carrying a firearm with an altered serial number and public drunkenness.
Metros said those two charges were dismissed because prosecutors did not present any evidence or testimony to substantiate them.
Painter testified that the incident began around 11:30 p.m. when officers were dispatched to a location on Wayne Street for a report of shots fired.
Painter testified when officers arrived at the scene, people were observed in several locations on the street. Painter testified that he proceeded to 29 Wayne St. where the shots allegedly originated.
Painter testified that as they tried to sort out what was occurring, and spoke with people on the street, a group of people ran from 29 Wayne St.
Painter testified that he looked into the residence and saw three men engaged in a physical altercation in the living room.
Painter testified that he shouted “police” multiple times and entered the residence.
Painter testified that as he entered he continued to announce his presence and added that one of the men in the altercation was armed with a handgun. Painter testified that he then drew his weapon and announced his presence again.
As he entered, one of the suspects, later identified as Mackey, started to run toward a rear exit with the handgun in his right hand, Painter testified. Painter testified that he gave chase, and Mackey slipped and fell, causing the gun to fire a single round.
Painter testified that Mackey then got up and continued to run out of the residence but said he caught him after a 60-yard foot pursuit and took him into custody.
Mackey remains in the Fayette County Prison on $50,000 straight cash bond.