Man Angry Over Lost Dog Facing Attempted Murder Charges After Threatening Couple
BELLE VERNON (KDKA) -- Police have charged a man with attempted criminal homicide for an incident that started over his dog and ended with an elaborate manhunt in Fayette County.
James Stevenson, 38, of Belle Vernon, is also facing charges of aggravated assault, discharging a firearm into an unoccupied structure, terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.
Police say Stevenson asked a couple to watch his pit bull mix, but the dog ran away.
When he came to pick up the dog, he got upset that it was not with the couple.
Police say he threatened the couple and grabbed a gun from his truck.
"He reportedly says, 'Have a nice death, [expletive],' and puts the gun to her head," said Chief John Hartman, of the Southwest Regional Police.
Just then, the male living there stepped out on the porch to confront Stevenson who then allegedly opened fire.
"Three rounds hit the house," Chief Hartman said.
The bullets missed the man, and Stevenson took off.
Police say that when they spotted Stevenson later that day, he was driving a stolen car along Route 51 in Perryopolis.
When they tried to pull him over, authorities say Stevenson got out of the car and ran into the woods. It took hours, but he was eventually caught and arrested by state police.
Stevenson's missing dog was found the next day in North Belle Vernon.
Two women were also in the car, and they were also arrested.
Stevenson has been arraigned and was placed on $100,000 straight cash bond.
He is in the Fayette County Prison, and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Feb. 19.
It is unclear if the women who were in the car with Stevenson will face any charges.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
