(MCKEAN COUNTY, Pennsylvania; January 12, 2024):  District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reports that the North Versailles, Pennsylvania man who fired a gun toward a bartender in Smethport has been sentenced to state prison.

During a sentencing hearing on January 11, 2024 at the McKean County Courthouse, Brian James BORRASSO, was sentenced for Aggravated Assault (Deadly Weapon Used) – Felony 1; Discharge of Weapon Into Occupied Structure – Felony 3; 3 counts Criminal Mischief – Felony 3; DUI (crash with damage and/or injury) – Misdemeanor; 5 counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person- Misdemeanor 2; and Theft – Misdemeanor 3.

The complaint filed against BORRASSO states that officers were dispatched to a shooting on August 28, 2020 that had just occurred outside of the Corner Bar located in Smethport.  Employees reported that they had caught BORRASSO stealing $20 that had been left on the bar and he was escorted out of the bar.  The bartender went outside of the bar to smoke a cigarette and reported to police that BORRASSO pulled his vehicle around the corner of the building in a silver SUV, pulled out a handgun, and shot two times toward her and in the direction of the building where numerous other people were inside. 

BORRASSO had fled the scene before police arrival.  Responding officers from Smethport and Port Allegany began to canvas the area and noticed damage to a building across the street as well as other structures in the area.  They also noticed vehicle parts indicating that a vehicle had recently hit the building and other structures. 

BORRASSO was apprehended after officers searched the area near Hamlin Lake Park – not far from the bar where the shooting occurred, and they observed a silver SUV with extensive rear-end damage in the grass next to the softball field.  They noted the odor of alcohol emanating from BORRASSO’S breath.  They patted him down for weapons and he advised them that there were guns in the glove box.  Looking through the vehicle window, the officer found two pistols on the passenger side floor. 

BORRASSO was sentenced to a period of incarceration in the Department of Corrections for a period of 54 months to 108 months plus 12 months of consecutive probation.  He is to have no contact with the victims – including the bartender and the other persons who were in the bar at the time of the shooting.  He was ordered to pay restitution for all damages and blood testing; obtain a mental health evaluation and follow through with any recommended treatment; obtain drug and alcohol treatment; and other terms.  His license was suspended for 12 months as required for DUIs. 

DA Shaffer explained: “The defendant’s sentence includes an enhancement due to the use of a deadly weapon.  The state legislature determines the range of sentences that can be imposed against any offender by a Court for any particular offense.  If a deadly weapon is used, the range of sentences is higher.  In this case, the sentence for the Aggravated Assault is higher because of the use of a gun to commit the crime.” 

Defendant BORRASSO is not eligible for any early reentry program. 

The case was investigated by Officer Kevin R. Seipp of the Smethport Police Department.