SCRUBGRASS TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A local man is behind bars following an incident where he allegedly fired two shots during a domestic altercation in Scrubgrass Township.

Court documents indicate the Franklin-based State Police filed criminal charges against 34-year-old Randy Jo Merwin, of Parker.

According to a criminal complaint, around 3:21 a.m. on Sunday, August 18, Troopers Miller and Grazrasko of the Franklin-based State Police were dispatched to a residence on Big Bend Road for a report of a domestic altercation involving a firearm.

According to the complaint, when the troopers arrived at the scene, they found Randy Jo Merwin on the porch of the residence, unarmed, and located the female victim hiding in the rear of her vehicle in the driveway.

The female victim told police that she was with Merwin and other friends at a local bar when Merwin became aggressive and she had someone take her home. She reported that Merwin then gained access into the house, despite the door being locked, and began to pound on her bedroom door, which was also locked.

According to the complaint, the victim said she opened the door before he could break it and they had a verbal altercation. She noted that when Merwin went to the basement, where the guns are located, she exited the house and hid in the back of her vehicle.

The complaint notes the victim reported hearing a gunshot, at which point she texted her friends to come and help her. She stated that prior to the arrival of the police, she heard a second gunshot and believed Merwin was on the porch when he fired both shots. She also noted that Merwin was yelling very loudly from the porch to her.

According to the complaint, the troopers also received calls from Venango County 9-1-1 stating Merwin had called and told them he was going to kill himself and then hung up the phone.

The complaint notes Merwin was intoxicated with a PBT reading of .169 at 5:21 a.m.

Merwin was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Matthew T. Kirtland at 7:00 a.m. on August 18, on the following charges:

– Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
– Disorder Conduct Hazardous/Physi Offense, Misdemeanor 3

Unable to post $20,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Venango County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 28, with Judge Kirtland presiding.