Homeowner pulls gun on utility worker in North Huntingdon Township, police say

A homeowner pulled a gun on a Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County employee on Wednesday, authorities said.

The North Huntingdon Township Police Department said the homeowner pulled a gun on the utility worker, who was sent to shut off service, and chased him away from his home on Water Street in Ardara.

"It's a very quiet neighborhood. It's very quiet. So, I'm shocked that that even happened," said Nisa DeFelice, who lives on Water Street.

DeFelice said she and her boyfriend were home when they suddenly saw police swarming the neighborhood.

"I kind of just heard the commotion. I heard all of the sirens and everything. And me and my boyfriend, we looked outside the window and we saw all the cop cars," DeFelice said. "They all had their [assault rifles] out, and we assumed there was something going on."

DeFelice said she saw multiple police officers running up and down the street with their guns out. A spokesperson with the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County said a utility worker had gone to the home to shut off service due to non-payment on a North Huntingdon sewer bill.

That's when authorities said the homeowner allegedly pointed a gun at the worker, sending him running for his life. Shortly after, authorities said a second 911 call was made after an apparent miscommunication when the utility worker allegedly tried to stop someone who was driving by for help.

"We checked our Ring app camera, and we went on there, and they said that there was someone across the street carjacking, and they were armed and dangerous. But then someone followed up with that and said that that was false," DeFelice said.

That miscommunication sent the worker on a desperate escape through the woods. Authorities said he even swam across a creek to get to safety. Emergency crews from several departments were called to assist in canvassing the area for him. 

The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County released a statement to KDKA-TV saying, "We do not condone violence or threats of violence towards our utility workers. This was a billing issue. We're pleased police were able to apprehend the perpetrator."

Police said charges are pending against the homeowner, and the investigation is ongoing.