SUTERSVILLE (KDKA) — A Sutersville man is in jail after reportedly using a flare gun to shoot his wife at close range, sending her to the hospital.

Police say 52-year-old Michael Carney got into an argument with his wife and told her she was going to die Wednesday afternoon at the couple’s First Avenue home in Sutersville.

Carney first fired a flare gun at her face, grazing the side of her head. He then fired another flare from just three feet away, striking her in the abdomen.

When the victim fell to the ground, he reportedly began punching her until she escaped and called 911. A pile of clothing on the ground ignited from the flare.

“It is very unusual,” said Steve Limani of Pennsylvania State Police. “I don’t remember ever, in 14 years now, hearing about a flare gun being used in an assault.”

Flare guns are mainly used by boaters in distress as a way of calling for help.

“I’m not exactly sure about the velocity, when it comes to feet per second, but it comes out extremely fast and it has a reddish glow to it and that reddish glow is like a burning,” said Limani.

Police say the woman suffered burns and bruising. She was treated at the hospital then released later on Wednesday.

Carney has been charged with aggravated assault and is now in jail. His bond was set at $100,000.

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