A Harmar man fired gunshots at his and neighbor’s homes before torching his residence early Friday morning, according to police.
David John Benec, 65, of Harmar is charged with arson, discharging a firearm into a structure and recklessly endangering another person.
Around 4 a.m. Friday, police arrived at the scene in the 100 block of Clyde Avenue to find a home with heavy fire and bullet holes in the windows, according to a criminal complaint filed against Benec.
Benec was soon located in a neighbor’s home pacing back and forth, the complaint said.
Harmar police Chief Jason Domaratz said Benec was cooperative with police.
The incident seemed to be a mental health episode, the chief said. The criminal complaint also said Benec told police he drank a bottle of whiskey.
At least two shotgun blasts hit the side of Chris Fugate’s home next door, he said.
Fugate said he heard something in the early morning before discovering Benec outside and calling 911. His wife and children were also home during the incident.
Neighbors for more than a decade, Fugate said he had never had any issue with Benec, and he was unsure what happened.
Another neighbor’s glass storm door was shattered by a shotgun slug, according to police.
No injuries were reported, but Benec was transported to the hospital for evaluation, Domaratz said.
“It could’ve been a bad situation,” he said.
In total, police removed four shotguns, a .22-caliber rifle and a safe with several more guns from the scene, according Benec’s arrest papers. However, they couldn’t locate a .45-caliber pistol Benec said he had thrown next to a pine tree, the complaint said.
Allegheny Valley Fire Chief Jay Zangrille said his crews had to wait about 10 minutes for police to clear the scene before they could begin fighting the fire.
Firefighters had the blaze under control in about 25 minutes, but Zangrille said the home is likely a total loss.
In addition to Allegheny Valley, fire crews from Oakmont, Blawnox, Verona, Rural Ridge and East Deer also arrived on scene.
Benec’s case was listed online Friday evening as inactive. Domaratz said he’s unsure what direction the case will ultimately take but said Benec was still being treated.
