Bedford Co., PA (WJAC) — State police say a Bedford County man faces a laundry list of charges, including attempted homicide, after shooting at an occupied vehicle, while high on methamphetamine, because he believed that the occupants were trying to kill him, according to a criminal complaint.
Troopers say Steven Geisler, 30, faces two counts each of attempted homicide, felony aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment, as well as charges of DUI, criminal mischief and cruelty to animals, according to online court documents.
Investigators say on Feb. 10, troopers were dispatched to the 7900 block of Main Road, in Snake Spring Township, for a report of a shooting.
According to the arrest affidavit, troopers say the two victims told police that they were traveling along Route 30, prior to turning onto Route 326, when they noticed a silver Ford Explorer that was traveling very close behind them.
Police say the victims believed that the vehicle was going to "push them off the road."
Investigators say the driver of the Explorer, later identified as Geisler, then fired two shots at the victims' vehicle, with the second shot entering the vehicle and grazing the driver's jacket.
Police say Geisler then turned onto another road as the victims attempted to pull off the roadway.
Troopers say the victims observed a bullet hole in their vehicle, which entered near the registration plate, travelled through the driver's seat and into the driver's jacket, creating a hole in the victim's jacket and shirt.
Police noted that the driver, as well as the passenger and their two dogs, were uninjured in the incident.
Troopers say upon further investigation, they received a call from Geisler's family who told them that he admitted to being high on meth and shooting at someone.
Police say Geisler reportedly told his family that he thought someone was going to kill him, and then stated that he shot at the victims' vehicle because he believed that "they were after him."
Geisler's family added that he becomes paranoid when he uses methamphetamine, and told police that he admitted to using meth the day before the incident, the complaint notes.
Investigators say Geisler's vehicle also matched the description of the suspect vehicle, and had two bullet holes in its driver side window.
Geisler was arraigned to the Bedford County Prison last Thursday, court dockets show, and his bail has been denied, with investigators stating that, "no condition or combination of conditions will ensure compliance."
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 23.
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