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Lewistown man charged for attempted homicide

21-year-old faces multiple charges after altercation

From staff reports

LEWISTOWN–One man is facing charges for attempted homicide following an incident that occurred at approximately 7:05 p.m., April 14, at the rear of 9 East Third St. in Lewistown.

Wesley Clifton, 21, of Lewistown, was charged with criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person after an altercation with Dante Scott. According to the affidavit for Clifton’s case, Clifton told police that Scott had repeatedly messaged Clifton’s girlfriend, Shatima Alhassan, with threats to harm Clifton and his family. Clifton stated that he had had enough of the threats and he went to Scott’s residence in order to confront him. Alhassan reportedly followed Clifton, while carrying their infant child, in an attempt to convince him to return home.

According to a report from the Lewistown Police Department, an altercation ensued after Clifton arrived at Scott’s residence as Scott reportedly began to brandish a knife in an attempt to stab Clifton. Clifton then allegedly discharged at least six shots from a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun in Scott’s direction, while his child was within arm’s reach. None of the shots made contact with Scott and he retreated to his residence. Alhassan and the infant also left the scene uninjured.

Upon investigation of the incident, Lewistown police were informed that an individual had observed Clifton entering a residence on Valley St. later in the evening of April 14. Police later arrived at the home and detained both Clifton and Alhassan while Children and Youth Services were contacted to respond to the residence for the infant child.

While in custody, Clifton informed police that he had thrown his weapon into a wooded area near the Sacred Heart of Jesus School on North Docus St. as he fled the scene of the incident. He also reported that when he returned to his residence, he changed his clothes and hid the clothing he had been wearing at the scene in the drop ceiling of his living room.

An extensive search of the area was later conducted by Lewistown police with the assistance of United Fire and Rescue, Brooklyn Hose Company and City Hook and Ladder, as well as a Pennsylvania State Police canine, and officers were eventually able to locate the firearm. A search of Clifton’s residence yielded the hidden clothing as well as a magazine with Smith and Wesson .40 caliber bullets, a partial box of Remington .40 caliber bullets and purchasing paperwork for the handgun. Additionally, a search of the area where the incident was alleged to have occurred yielded six empty .40 caliber casings and two holes in the ground, which were believed to be the result from bullet penetration. No other holes were located, leaving four bullets unaccounted for.

Clifton is currently being held at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility. Anyone with further information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Lewistown Police Department or the Mifflin County Communications Center.

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