CLEARFIELD – Charges were filed today against a Bellefonte man, Robert D. Hanson, 55, who has been accused of an April 1 shooting at the Osceola Mills Veterans of Foreign Wars, announced District Attorney William A. Shaw Jr.
Trooper David Patrick of the Pennsylvania State Police, Clearfield barracks, filed a criminal complaint against Hanson. He charged Hanson with criminal attempt to commit murder; aggravated assault, F1; aggravated assault, F2; simple assault, M2; simple assault, M2; recklessly endangering another person, M2; and persons not to possess firearms, F2.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, on April 1, Robert Dwayne Hanson (AKA “Butch”) was in the Osceola Mills VFW. At approximately 12 p.m., Hanson was sitting at the bar with a female patron, both of whom were consuming alcohol.
A known male entered the VFW and sat down at the bar. Shortly after Hanson borrowed car keys from the female patron. Hanson and the male exited the VFW.
Hanson and the male entered the female’s vehicle that was parked near the VFW. While in the vehicle, the male allegedly gave Hanson a New England Firearms 22-caliber LR pistol.
Hanson allegedly concealed the gun in his waistband, and both men exited the vehicle and returned to the VFW. The male then left the VFW and Hanson sat back down beside the female.
Hanson allegedly told the female that he was going to kill Jeff Swanson. Hanson also allegedly told her that he had gotten a gun from somebody, and that he was going to shoot Swanson because he had ripped him off. The female then left the VFW and went home.
Upon arriving at her home, the female made a phone call to “Bucky’s” bar (The Scotsman’s) and talked to Jeff Swanson, who was patronizing the bar. The female told Swanson to stay away from Hanson because he had a gun and was going to shoot him.
On the same date at approximately 1:30 p.m., Swanson exited the Scotsman’s Bar and walked up the street to the VFW. Upon arriving at the VFW, Swanson walked up the steps located along Lingle Street, opened the door and yelled for Hanson to come outside.
Hanson walked to the same door, opened it and stepped outside. Hanson allegedly stepped down the stairs and started arguing with Swanson. Swanson allegedly slapped Hanson across the face and then punched him several times in the face and head area.
Hanson fell onto the sidewalk as his pants had also fallen down. At this time, the gun, which was in Hanson’s waistband fell to the ground, and Hanson and Swanson struggled over the gun.
During the struggle, the gun went off and one shot was fired up into the air. A second shot went off, and it grazed Hanson on the side of the head.
Swanson then began to walk down the sidewalk towards the CNB Bank. Swanson walked approximately 15 feet when Hanson yelled to Swanson, “Hey Jeff.” Swanson stopped and turned around, and Hanson then allegedly fired a shot from the New England Firearms 22-caliber pistol, striking Swanson in the right side of his chest. Swanson fell to the sidewalk and Hanson reentered the VFW.
An employee of the VFW called 911 while the fight and shooting were taking place. Emergency personnel arrived at the scene and provided medical treatment.
Both Hanson and Swanson were transported by ambulance and then by helicopter to UPMC Altoona, where they received treatment for their injuries.
Hanson was treated for minor injuries at the UPMC Altoona and released on April 2. Swanson suffered injuries to his chest area, including his right lung as result of the gunshot wound.
Shaw stated that Hanson was arrested today pursuant to a warrant issued by Magisterial District Judge Jerome Nevling, who arraigned Hanson and established bail at $500,000.
Hanson is currently incarcerated in the Clearfield County Jail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5.
Shaw thanked the Pennsylvania State Police for their hard work and assistance with this case.
Anyone with knowledge of a crime is asked to call Clearfield County Crime Stoppers at 800-376-4700. All calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by visiting the Clearfield County District Attorney Web site at “www.ClearfieldDA.org” and selecting “Report A Crime.”