A 42-year-old Butler man is behind bars after telling police he fired a gun during an argument and struck a woman on the 100 block of Metzger Avenue in Butler Township. The woman told officers she feared for her life after the shot went off.
Police responded to the domestic incident on Tuesday, September 22, according to ButlerRadio.com. Officers spoke with Matthew Swarens, who said during the argument he fired a gun in his possession and hit the victim, according to police cited by wisr680.com.
Victim Described Fear for Her Life
The victim told police she feared for her life after the shot was fired, per the same report. Details about her identity, the extent of her injuries, or whether she received medical treatment were not disclosed in the available reporting.
Investigators determined Swarens was not in legal possession of the firearm due to previous convictions, according to the report. He has since been charged with simple assault and possession of firearms prohibited, the station notes.
Held on $15,000 Bail Ahead of October Hearing
Swarens was placed in Butler County Prison following his arrest, with bail set at $15,000. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for October 1.
No additional details have been released about the police department that responded, the disposition of the firearm, or the specific prior convictions cited in the case. The outcome of the upcoming preliminary hearing has not yet been reported.
