New Salem man charged with attempted homicide
A New Salem man was charged with attempted homicide for allegedly shooting at his roommate on Friday.
According to court paperwork, Alexander F. Hoffman, 62, came home intoxicated, asked his roommate Joseph R. Helmecki about missing money, and then fired a rifle at Helmecki.
Police said the shot hit the freezer in their home on Kovach Farm Road in German Township. Hoffman then grabbed Helmecki by the neck, German Township police alleged, and when Helmecki pushed him away, Hoffman grabbed a handgun.
Police said Helmecki took the handgun from Hoffman and ran outside.
When police arrived, Hoffman was on the porch with a rifle, according to the complaint. He put the rifle down and turned himself into police.
Court paperwork indicated Hofmann was not allowed to have a firearm because of a 1998 conviction in South Carolina.
In addition to attempted homicide, he is charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, person not to possess a firearm and terroristic threats.
According to his online court docket, Hoffman was denied bail because he is a danger to others.