Marianna Councilman Arrested After Death Threat, Drunk Driving

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A Marianna councilman was arraigned late Tuesday night after being accused of threatening to kill his neighbor, firing rifle shots near his property and driving drunk through the borough.

According to the Observer-Reporter, at about 8:30 p.m., Jeremy Berardinelli, 34, was seen sitting on a picnic table behind his home at 702 Sixth St. with a Rutger Mini-14 rifle, which he pointed at his neighbor, James Woods. State police said Berardinelli shouted that he was "going to kill [Woods] for saying he harms his children."

Woods told the police that the neighbors were arguing when Berardinelli cocked the rifle and said he was going to shoot him. Police told the Observer-Reporter that Berardinelli then walked down a hill and fired six shots, which he later admitted were "warning shots" that he fired into the air to scare Woods. Woods hid behind a parked truck and then ran down the street because he "feared for his life."

Berardinelli was later pulled over by state police near the intersection of Main and Magnolia Streets, where police say he was driving while intoxicated.

Investigators said they found five shell casings near the councilman's garage.

Berardinelli was arraigned by District Judge Joshua Kanalis on a host of charges including, aggravated assault, driving under the influence, and terroristic threats. He is being held at the Washington County jail on $75,000 bond.

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