Assault charge dismissed against woman accused of pointing gun at man walking his dog in New Kensington
A 70-year-old New Kensington woman accused of pointing a gun at a man who was walking his dog near her home pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct.
In addition to pleading guilty Thursday to the summary offense, Sharon Shirley was required to pay a $25 fine.
District Judge Frank J. Pallone Jr. dismissed a simple assault charge that police had filed against her.
That misdemeanor charge against Shirley was thrown out during her preliminary hearing before Pallone, court documents show.
Attorney Dan Joseph, who represented Shirley, said the situation was just a misunderstanding.
“There was no attempt to hurt anybody,” Joseph said. “She was just frightened for herself, which is understandable at that hour of the morning if you see somebody standing there.”
New Kensington police alleged that Shirley pointed a gun at a neighbor , also 70, as he walked his dog early Dec. 1 near her home on Earl Avenue. The neighbor told police he heard a woman yell, “Get out of here,” and later saw a woman standing in front of her home pointing a gun at him.
Shirley told police she came home to find a man standing in the dark. She said she went inside her house, saw the man again, and yelled that she was getting her son and calling the police.
Madasyn Czebiniak is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Madasyn at 724-226-4702, mczebiniak@tribweb.com, or via Twitter @maddyczebstrib.
Madasyn Czebiniak is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Madasyn at 724-226-4702, mczebiniak@tribweb.com or via Twitter .
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