A Pennsylvania yard trespassing dispute has turned into a criminal case after state police say a man returned with a firearm and fired toward a home.
The incident happened May 17 along Taylor Avenue in Falls Creek Borough, according to GANT News. Pennsylvania State Police in DuBois filed charges against 49-year-old Herbert Deforest Murray III of Falls Creek.
According to the affidavit of probable cause cited in the report, a resident confronted Murray and a woman after they were seen walking through a yard near a house. The resident asked why they were trespassing through the yard.
Police say Murray later returned holding a firearm with both hands. A witness reported that he aimed from the street and fired one round toward the porch and residence.
Police Say Six People Were Put in Danger
The complaint states that six people were in danger during the incident, including two newborn children who were inside the home at the time, according to Explore Jefferson. Witness descriptions of the sound differed.
One resident described it as loud enough to take cover. Another person told police it sounded like a pellet gun, with a puff of air and a pop. An independent witness told investigators the sound resembled a loud gunshot from a .357 magnum cartridge, the report said.
Troopers Later Searched the Suspect’s Home
State police executed a search warrant at Murray’s residence on May 25. The complaint says troopers seized three AR-15 style magazines, an ammunition box, two live rounds of suppressed ammunition, and a high-capacity magazine containing 28 live rounds of 9mm ammunition.
During a May 21 interview, Murray admitted walking through the yard, according to the affidavit cited in the report. The complaint says he told investigators that everything was fine afterward and repeatedly apologized to the trooper.
The Case Is Scheduled for a July Hearing
Court records cited by Explore Jefferson say Murray faces charges of terroristic threats, recklessly endangering another person, and disorderly conduct engaging in fighting. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 23 at 10:30 a.m. before Magisterial District Judge David B. Inzana.
Yard Disputes Can Move Too Close to the House
Property lines, sidewalks, side yards, and shared neighborhood cut-throughs can create tension long before police get involved.
When someone is crossing a yard without permission, homeowners can make the boundary clearer with fencing, lighting, posted signs, cameras, trimmed landscaping, and a written record of repeat incidents.
Once a trespassing dispute turns heated, the homeowner’s safest move is to step back from the confrontation. Getting inside, locking the door, saving any camera footage, writing down what witnesses saw, and calling police gives officers a clearer record without keeping the argument going in the yard.