A Millvale man, previously convicted of arson, is making headlines once more. James Edward Casson, age 32, faced new charges after allegedly firing a shotgun and threatening a woman while a school bus was nearby last Thursday. According to WPXI, the incident prompted buses from the Shaler School District and Pittsburgh Regional Transit to be temporarily rerouted.
Despite no injuries reported, the event underscores the potential danger, as Casson is prohibited from firearm possession due to a 2014 felony arson conviction. Firing a single round into the air after becoming agitated, Casson allegedly pointed the weapon at a woman seeking repayment of a debt from his father. Neighbors like Michelle Miller believe the action was intended more as a scare tactic than an actual threat. Miller, having had a conversation with Casson in the past, told WPXI, "He only shoots it in the air. We’ve had a conversation. I mean he doesn’t like aim it at anybody or anything."
After the incident, Millvale police seized five firearms from Casson's home. "I’m just glad they are gone and we don’t have to worry about anything else now that the guns are gone and he shouldn’t get them back," Miller explained to WPXI. Casson was charged with illegal possession of firearms, terroristic threats, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person. A judicial decision resulted in Casson being denied bail due to the posed threat to the victim.
Moreover, according to the criminal complaint, as detailed by TribLive, the suspect's father was implicated when Casson claimed the woman who was threatened might have possessed a gun. However, the woman's vehicle, subjected to a search by the police, came up empty of any firearms. Casson's claim aside, he indicated to police that the shotgun was stored under his bed. His father consented to a search, yielding the recovery of a single-barreled shotgun and four BB or pellet guns.
Witnesses captured parts of the ordeal on an ABC Transit bus camera, as the bus was close enough to the scene. Police Chief Tim Komoroski noted the swift actions of law enforcement likely prevented a worse outcome, with Casson having retreated inside his home upon hearing police sirens. Casson, who had falsely claimed heroism for alerting occupants after setting a Shadyside house on fire in 2012, injuring three firefighters, is now awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 22, as stated by TribLive.
