(SMETHPORT, Pennsylvania: May 23, 2023):  Following a two day jury trial at the McKean County Courthouse, Daniel MINICH, of Bradford, was convicted of Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Structure (Felony 3), Recklessly Endangering Another Person (Misdemeanor 2), Possession of a Controlled Substance (Misdemeanor) and Criminal Mischief (2 counts, summaries).

MINICH was charged by City of Bradford Police Officer Joshua Frederoski after several officers from his department and others responded to MINICH’S home on Onofrio Street on December 9, 2021 for shots fired.  MINICH had been in contact with Chief Michael Ward that day and Ward requested officers perform a welfare check on MINICH.  MINICH had shot a firearm two times from within his home- once hitting his television. MINICH insisted that Ward respond to his home instead of the other officers. 

The officers were forced to retreat and convened to determine a plan for de-escalation and to ensure community safety given the nature of the situation. MINICH subsequently fired several rounds into the air from his firearm from his front porch while continuing to insist Chief Ward come to the house.  Chief Ward, Lt. Steve Caskey, Officer Jason Putt, Officer Frederoski, Bradford Township Police Chief Rob Shipman, Officer Donald Neal, Trooper Matt Batzell, and crisis response delegate Stony Greenberg responded to the neighborhood a second time with Chief Ward and Lt. Caskey maintaining direct contact with MINICH at the front of his house and other officers surrounding the neighborhood for safety of the residents and the officers.

MINICH exited his residence and threw his firearm to Chief Ward.  It was found to contain one live round in the chamber.  MINICH was taken into custody without further incident and taken for evaluation.  During the investigation, it was found that MINICH’s shots from within his house had struck a neighbor’s house and another struck a neighbor’s shed while that neighbor’s teenage son was in the house adjacent to the shed. A search of his home yielded methamphetamine.

District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  She thanked the officers who responded and credited them for deescalating the situation and bringing the incident to a peaceful end without injury to neighbors, officers or Minich while highlighting the officers’ expertise and coordination amongst the departments and mental health delegate.  Sentencing was set for July 6.

Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://mckean.crimewatchpa.com/da/136029/post/bradford-man-convicted-discharge-firearm-residence