On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, Magisterial District Judge Paul Zozos held several felony charges against Richard Schmittel for court after a preliminary hearing.  Harrisburg Police charged Schmittel with attempted murder and illegal gun possession after a February 3, 2020, shooting incident.  Police also charged Schmittel with flight to avoid apprehension after he fled from police officers on February 12, 2020.     

The complaint charges that, on February 3, 2020, Schmittel was standing in the area of Hummel and Swatara streets when occupants of a silver SUV-type vehicle shot at him.  Schmittel then chased after the vehicle and fired several shots as it drove away.  Schmittel is barred from possessing a firearm under state and federal law.  No one was injured in the incident.  Police filed the charges because Schmittel failed to satisfy his duty to retreat before using deadly force.  Under Pennsylvania law, a person has a duty to retreat before using deadly force under the circumstances of this case.  A video of the shooting incident is attached to this post.

As these are only charges of criminal conduct, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial.  Chief Deputy District Attorney Stephen R. Zawisky is prosecuting the case.