Charges amended in North Union Twp. drive-by shooting
Charges were amended Wednesday after a preliminary hearing for a man accused of killing a dog during a drive-by shooting in North Union Township.
The only felony charge lodged against Joseph Lee Lockett, 34, of Union-town was withdrawn as part of a tentative plea agreement.
He allegedly fired multiple shots at a residence at 150 Varndell St. on Aug. 9 after resident Gregg C. Huston Jr., 38, allegedly started a fight with a neighbor and threatened him. Lockett was in a vehicle with several other people later that night when Huston allegedly came outside in a rage and later fired a shotgun at the ground.
Lockett allegedly fired at least four rounds at Huston and his residence. One struck and killed Huston’s pit bull-boxer mix, Ellie Mae.
Huston is also facing charges in the case, and is awaiting his preliminary hearing.
Lockett had been charged with aggravated assault but will now face trial on misdemeanor charges of killing a domestic animal, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person.
He was freed from prison Wednesday when his $100,000 bond was changed to unsecured by Magisterial District Judge Ronald Haggerty Jr.