Several men were involved in an altercation in West Franklin Township last Friday night, July 20.
The incident was reported to have occurred in an open field area on North Cherry Street. An unidentified 59-year-old man was in the process of firing a small caliber handgun at geese in order to scare them away from his crops. In the process of this happening, an unidentified 52-year-old man was under the impression that the 59-year-old was intentionally discharging his firearm in his direction. As a result, the 52-year-old fired a shotgun into the ground in order to make his appearance known and also to scare the 59-year-old from firing. It was learned that at no time were either individuals intentionally aiming the firearms at each other or firing with any intention of hitting each other.
Following the incident, the 52-year-old drove across a soy bean field (owned by the 59-year-old) in pursuit of him. A physical/verbal altercation ensued at the residence of the 59-year-old and another resident, a 63-year-old female. In the process of this altercation, a cell phone was broken. It is alleged that the 52-year-old pushed the couple and subjected them to physical contact. No injuries were reported in this incident and the PA Game Commission is also involved in the investigation.
Preliminary investigations indicated that two involved individuals may be facing charges for the incident. Charging determinations shall be made following the completion of the investigation by the PA State Police and the PA Game Commission, according to Investigating Trooper David Endlich.