Man shot in Derry Township accused of damaging $900 worth of property at suspect's home

A man who was shot in Derry Township this week is accused of setting a fire at the home of the person state police believe pulled the trigger, according to court papers.

Police said the fire damaged $900 worth of items. Troopers on Wednesday arrested Jonathan Thomas Corey, 39, of Derry Township, who suffered a gunshot wound to the buttocks.

Corey is charged with reckless burning, defiant trespass and loitering or prowling at night. He is free on $10,000 unsecured bail.

Police responded to the Route 982 home of Edward B. Hart, 57, early Tuesday and learned that Corey had requested to buy drugs from Hart, according to court papers. Hart told police he asked Corey to leave but then heard a suspicious noise outside about 10 minutes later and grabbed a rifle.

When Hart looked outside, he saw Corey setting fire to various items about 40 yards away from the camper where Hart lives not far from Blairsville, police said.

Hart told authorities he fired repeatedly at Corey, chasing after him with the gun and continuing to shoot after hearing him fall and groan in pain, according to court papers. Hart shot a few more times at Corey’s car as he fled, police said. Corey drove about 4 miles home and was taken to AHN Forbes Hospital in Monroeville where troopers interviewed him.

Investigators said they found burnt and destroyed property at Hart’s home. Hart was arrested on charges attempted homicide, aggravated assault and related offenses. He was being held on $10,000 bail at the Westmoreland County Prison.

Both men have May 25 preliminary hearings set. Corey did not have an attorney listed in online court records. He could not be reached.