Millerstown man jailed after allegedly firing rifle at three people
Police: Suspect fired five shots, threatened three people at Greenwood Township home
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MIFFLINTOWN -- A Millerstown man is facing 14 charges after police say he fired a rifle five times toward three people at his Greenwood Township residence and threatened them Sunday night.
Francis Eugene Donovan, 60, was charged Monday with three felony counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, along with two counts of unlawful restraint and three counts each of recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats and simple assault.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by Pennsylvania State Police at Lewistown, three individuals had been staying at Donovan’s residence in the 400 block of Dimmsville Road since May and paying him rent.
Police said Donovan contacted state police earlier Sunday and asked how he could have the three removed from his property. He was provided information about the eviction process, according to the affidavit.
At about 8:42 p.m. Sunday, it was reported to state police that Donovan had a gun and had fired three shots toward him.
A victim told police Donovan approached him as he arrived at the residence and fired one shot, getting his attention. Donovan then allegedly fired two more shots, according to court documents.
As troopers approached the residence, they heard two additional gunshots and received information from a second caller that Donovan was inside the home with the firearm pointed at two of the residents, according to the affidavit.
Police allege Donovan threatened the three, telling them "the next one will be in you" and threatening to "smash" their heads. Court documents identify the firearm as a Marlin Model 336 .30-30 lever-action rifle.
When troopers arrived, they found Donovan holding the rifle in his right hand, according to the affidavit. Police said he was ordered to drop the firearm and was taken into custody.
The criminal complaint alleges Brought and Satterfield were unable to leave or distance themselves from Donovan while he was pointing the rifle inside the residence.
Donovan was arraigned Monday and bail was set at $5,000. He was held in Mifflin County Correctional Facility after being unable to post bail, according to court records. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sept. 23.
The case remains active.