Man blames lax security in lawsuit over 2018 shooting in Fayette County district judge's office

A man who was wounded during a shooting two years ago at a Fayette County district judge’s office filed a federal lawsuit contending shoddy security led to his injury and subsequent trauma.

Jared Szerensci of Masontown said he was shot in the leg when Patrick Dowdell, 62, entered the office of District Judge Daniel Shimshock with a loaded handgun on Sept. 19, 2018, and shot four people.

The lawsuit names as defendants Shimshock and his district court office, the borough and Roy Dowdell, the administrator of Patrick Dowdell’s estate.

Szerensci said in his lawsuit that the borough of Masontown provided “improper, lacking and non-existent security” in the building, which “increased the likelihood that a violent incident may occur.”

Szerensci arrived at the office that day around 1:55 p.m. and, five minutes later, heard a gunshot, according to the lawsuit.

Szerensci initially dropped to his knees and then tried to reach the men’s bathroom for cover. As he crossed the room, the lawsuit said, he was shot in the left leg.

Investigators said Dowdell was scheduled to have a preliminary hearing on strangulation charges that afternoon, stemming from an arrest 20 days earlier.

Instead, he entered the building, which also houses Masontown’s municipal offices, and began firing.

Three civilians and a Masontown Police sergeant were among those injured. A German Township police officer shot and killed Dowdell in response.

Szerensci said he has post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the shooting.

A message left with the Masontown solicitor late Tuesday was not immediately returned.