A weekend visit to one of western Pennsylvania's most popular outdoor escapes turned violent Saturday when, according to Pennsylvania State Police, a New Jersey man allegedly opened fire on a woman at Moraine State Park in Butler County, hitting her several times as she sat inside a vehicle.
Emergency crews treated the woman at the scene before she was taken to Allegheny General Hospital, authorities said. Troopers arrested a suspect at the park shortly after the shooting, and investigators say the incident appears to be isolated.
What State Police Say Happened
Pennsylvania State Police told CBS Pittsburgh that the man and a woman, both described as visitors from out of town, got into an argument early Saturday morning. During that dispute, the man allegedly pulled a pistol and fired at the woman while she was inside a car.
The woman was struck multiple times, according to state police, and first responders provided treatment at the scene before she was transported to Allegheny General Hospital for further care.
Troopers identified the suspect as 31-year-old Jevonn Brown of Westampton, New Jersey. He was taken into custody and charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, and recklessly endangering another person.
Where The Violence Broke Out
Moraine State Park covers 16,725 acres centered around Lake Arthur and draws more than a million visitors each year, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The sprawling park is a go-to regional spot for boating, hiking, and picnics, and state officials note that cell service can be spotty in some areas.
Police Say There Is No Ongoing Danger
State police told CBS Pittsburgh that "there is no danger to the public" and that investigators do not believe anyone else was involved in the shooting.
Detectives with the Pennsylvania State Police are leading the investigation. The Butler County District Attorney's office is expected to review the case for prosecution once the investigative file is complete.
Custody And Legal Details
Brown is being held at the Butler County Prison pending arraignment. County documents list the facility and its administrative contacts online through the county's public records.
The charges against him, including attempted homicide, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person, are prosecuted under Pennsylvania's criminal code. Inchoate attempt liability is defined at 18 Pa.C.S. §901, and the assault and recklessly endangering provisions appear in Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.
Convictions on those counts can carry felony penalties, and any formal court filings and hearing dates will be handled by Butler County authorities.
