Judge denies 2nd bail reduction request related to gunfight outside Greensburg bar

A Westmoreland County judge on Monday rejected a defense request to reduce the $250,000 bail set for a man accused in a gunfight outside a Greensburg bar that left two injured.

Stevin S. German, 27, of Uniontown is unable to afford the current amount, argued public defender John Sweeney, who suggested bail be reduced to $90,000 or $100,000.

“I don’t see any reason to change the bail,” Judge Christopher Feliciani said. “(The amount) is an appropriate bond to protect the community.”

It was the second time Sweeney asked for a change in bail for German, who is accused of exchanging gunfire with another man outside of the Rialto Cafe on Jan. 30 after an altercation inside the bar. The other suspect, Evan Curley, 23, of Greensburg was hit by two bullets, and a bystander also was shot.

Investigators said both men briefly left the bar to retrieve guns and returned to West Otterman Street at closing time. Curley’s attorney has said he acted in self defense. Sweeney claimed Monday that German prevented more people from being injured.

“This bond is impossibly high,” Sweeney said.

Assistant District Attorney James Lazar questioned Sweeney’s portrayal of his client’s involvement. Investigators said German fired eight shots, including two that wounded Curley. One round shattered a glass window on a walking bridge over Pennsylvania Avenue which connects to the Westmoreland County Courthouse Extension office building.

Curley fired one shot that struck a bystander, police said.

“Both of them decided to take matters into their own hands,” Lazar said.

German initially was jailed without bail after his arrest. Feliciani in April set the $250,000 bail after a defense request.

Curley is jailed without bail after the judge denied a motion last month seeking pretrial house arrest and electronic monitoring. Feliciani said he did so because Curley’s family lives out of state and for community protection.

Both suspects are charged with attempted aggravated assault and related offenses.