SUMMERVILLE, Pa. (EYT) – State police in Punxsutawney have filed criminal attempt/homicide and other related charges against a 28-year-old Summerville woman.
Online court documents indicate criminal charges were filed against 28-year-old Kimberly Opal Moats, of Summerville.
The charges stem from an incident that is alleged to have occurred around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday at 826 Toadtown Rd., in Clover Township, Jefferson County.
The Pennsylvania State Police Troop C, Punxsutawney and Clarion stations responded to a call by a 30-year-old male victim to Jefferson County 911 Dispatch Center reporting a domestic violence situation that escalated from verbal confrontation to the discharge of a firearm.
Police say the investigation revealed that Moats and the male victim first engaged in a verbal argument regarding the care of Moat’s daughter. The verbal confrontation turned physical at which time Moats allegedly retrieved a 30-30 caliber rifle from the living room of the residence and confronted the male victim in the kitchen.
Moats allegedly fired one round from the gun striking a door near the victim’s head, according to police.
Following the shooting, Moats fled outside the residence where she was taken into custody by police upon their arrival. Moats surrendered without further incident and posed no threat to law enforcement, police say.
The following charges were filed today against Moats at Magisterial District Judge Douglas Chambers’ office:
- Criminal Attempt – Homicide, Felony 1
- Aggravated Assault, Felony 1
- Aggravated Assault, Felony 2
- Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
Judge Chambers established bail at $250,000.00 straight cash.
Moats was lodged in the Jefferson County Jail pending a preliminary hearing that will be scheduled at a later date.
Jefferson County District Attorney Jeffrey Burkett was apprised of the investigation and approved the above listed charges.
The investigation is ongoing.