Man charged with attempted homicide after shooting a gun at family gathering, police say
Carley BonkA Chambersburg man was taken into police custody after shooting a gun at a family gathering in Hamilton Township.
Rodney Jones, 51, faces two felony charges of attempted criminal homicide and aggravated assault, according to court documents.
Around 7:15 p.m. on June 2, state police responded to a Hamilton Township residence for a report of a shooting.
More:Hagerstown man denied bail after police say he assaulted two state troopers
More:Waynesboro man charged with 10 counts of child pornography, additional charges
Upon arrival, police determined that Jones had been at an outside family dinner gathering with family. During the course of the meal, the defendant asked his brother something to the effect of "what would be your last words to someone if you knew they were your last," according to court records.
The brother, confused by the question, began to engage Jones in conversation about what he meant.
At that time, the defendant stood from his chair, reached into the rear wasteband of his pants and produced a silver and black Smith and Wesson, model SVD9 9mm handgun and proceeded to point the loaded gun directly at the face of his brother, according to police.
"That (expletive) ruined my life," Jones said.
The victim grabbed Jones' hand and forced the gun away from his face right before Jones shot one live round from the gun, less than a foot away from the victim, police said.
The victim tackled Jones to the ground and wrestled the gun away from him.
Jones fled the scene in his vehicle and went to his home, where he was taken into custody by police.
He was taken to Franklin County Jail and denied bail.
Jones is scheduled to appear before Magisterial District Judge David Plum for a preliminary hearing on June 15.
Carley Bonk is a Watchdog Reporter for the USA Today Network - Pennsylvania. Her coverage spans across the southcentral region of Pennsylvania. She can be reached at cbonk@publicopinionnews.com or on Twitter at @carls_marie.