Washington Co. man charged after standoff, accused of shooting wife's boyfriend
WASHINGTON, Pa. (KDKA) -- A Washington County man is facing charges after a shooting and standoff at his home Wednesday morning in Washington County.
Melvin Ringer is charged with two counts of criminal attempt homicide, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and a firearms violation.
State police, CERT teams and other law enforcement surrounded Ringer's home on Spencer Avenue in Canton Township for much of the morning. They were first called in around 5:30 a.m. for a reported shooting.
According to the criminal complaint, Miller and his wife were smoking marijuana. They were also allegedly drinking with a friend, identified as Everett Miller, who was staying in their home.
During that time, state police say Ringer's wife told him she was leaving him for Miller and "wanted a divorce." Ringer then told both of them to "Get the [expletive] out!"
As she was leaving, Ringer's wife said she watched her husband load a .22-caliber rifle in the kitchen, the criminal complaint said.
Outside, Ringer's wife told state police she saw her husband with the rifle and Miller walking on the sidewalk with a case of beer. Police said she heard a "loud ping" and Miller saying, "I think I've been shot."
After getting Miller in the truck, Ringer's wife told police she heard another "ping" as she pulled way and the rear passenger window shattered.
Miller went to Washington Hospital for treatment; however, Ringer stayed holed up in his home.
He was taken into custody just before noon.
Police kept the area off limits for hours while they investigated at the home. They say there is no public safety concern.
