PINE CREEK TOWNSHIP, Pa. (EYT) — A former volunteer firefighter is facing criminal charges after allegedly threatening to shoot members of the Pine Creek Fire Department, according to a criminal complaint filed by Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Zachary Horwat.
According to court documents, 31-year-old Justin Lee Hetrick, of Brookville, has been charged with terroristic threats causing serious public inconvenience, a first-degree misdemeanor; disorderly conduct hazardous/physical offense, a third-degree misdemeanor; and harassment involving lewd, threatening language, also a third-degree misdemeanor.
According to the criminal complaint, on October 24 at approximately 11:29 a.m., PSP Punxsutawney received a call from a known woman reporting Hetrick’s threats against the fire department. Trooper Horwat and Trooper DiPietro responded to the Pine Creek Fire Hall at approximately 12:11 p.m. to investigate.
A witness told investigators she and Hetrick previously had an intimate relationship and still communicate daily via Snapchat. She reported that Hetrick, who was dismissed from his volunteer duties approximately 2 to 3 months ago, becomes upset when he sees her working at the department. According to the witness, Hetrick left the department “on bad terms” and harbors particular animosity toward the fire chief.
The incident escalated on October 17 when, during a department call, Hetrick allegedly drove past twice, yelling and swearing from his vehicle. A witness told police that later that evening, he messaged her saying he wanted to shoot everyone and wanted her to watch him do it.
A preliminary hearing for Hetrick is scheduled for December 30, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., before Magisterial District Judge Gregory M. Bazylak.
