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Police: Man Fired Rifle Through Wall, Hitting Officer

JEANNETTE (KDKA) -- A man is facing attempted homicide charges for allegedly firing a rifle from inside a Jeannette home, striking an officer.

Police were called to the 100-block of Thomas Drive for a reported domestic dispute Sunday just before 7 p.m.

Upon arrival, several women were waiting outside, and told officers that Jody Martz, 52, had assaulted them and was still inside.

The officers announced their presence and knocked on the front door.

"He was well-aware that the police had been called, the police were on scene and the police were at the front door," said Penn Township Police Chief John Otto.

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Martz then allegedly fired a hunting rifle from the inside of the home. The bullet traveled through the wall and struck an officer's right front breast pocket, "damaging his uniform." He was not injured.

"We were this close," said Chief Otto, showing an inch worth of distance with his hand. "Sometimes you're lucky, sometimes you're blessed, at the end of the day I don't care which one we are as long as we go home to our loved ones."

Martz stepped outside of the home and surrendered to police. He was "heavily intoxicated."

Officers interviewed 10 or 11 women who were inside the home for a party. They said Martz pushed or punched one woman in the back, punched his wife in the head, pushed another woman to the ground and finally choked another guest.

Martz is charged with attempted homicide, six counts of aggravated assault, three counts of reckless endangerment and four counts of simple assault.

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