A Northampton man is under arrest after authorities say he opened fire with an "AK-47-style" rifle into the home of his neighbor, according to officials. 29-year-old Joshua Martinelli is facing multiple charges, including four counts of assault to murder after the incident that occurred on Thursday night.
Martinelli, who resides in a two-family house on Wright Avenue in Northampton, is accused of shooting several rounds into the adjoining neighbors' home. During the shooting, four adults were inside the property, not one of whom was injured, although one bullet reportedly passed through the pants of one of the residents, per the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. MassLive reports that Martinelli's dog was by his side at the time of the shooting.
In response to the rapid police action, Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington said, "The Northampton Police Department should be commended for their rapid response to an extremely volatile situation." He went on to praise the responding officers for quickly apprehending Martinelli and preventing further harm. According to Western Mass News, Covington stated, "Fortunately, no one was killed or injured by the defendant’s dangerous conduct."
Along with the counts for attempted murder, Martinelli is also charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, animal cruelty, destruction of property, and possession of an assault weapon, among other firearm-related offenses. He is currently being held without bail in the Hampshire County House of Correction, with his next court date scheduled for December 14, according to officials.
