Monongahela teen charged as adult in shooting
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A Monongahela teenager was charged as an adult after he allegedly shot his brother in the leg at their home Sunday.
Monongahela police consulted with the Washington County District Attorney’s office before charging Chase Alexander O’Brien, 16, of 617 Lincoln St., as an adult, said police Chief Brian Tempest. The chief said O’Brien was charged as an adult because of the seriousness of the crime.
Officer William Fusco was called to Monongahela Valley Hospital for a report of a 19-year-old who was shot in the leg while walking to a convenience store and brought in by a friend. Fusco said he became suspicious because there was no shooting reported to the emergency dispatch center.
When police arrived, the alleged victim was there with his mother and friend. The mother told Fusco she wanted to speak with an attorney. The alleged victim then reportedly told police he was shot by his 13-year-old brother.
Fusco went to the O’Brien residence. As he approached, a teen later identified as Chase O’Brien ran out with a pistol in his right hand. Fusco, who had his own weapon drawn, ordered the teen to stop. The 16-year-old tossed the gun and was taken into custody without incident.
The 9 mm Luger was reported stolen in July in Washington Township, Westmoreland County, police said.
Police said there was a strong odor of marijuana in the residence. A large amount of cash also was found inside the residence. Tempest said the investigation is continuing and additional arrests are pending.
O’Brien was arraigned before District Judge James Ellis on charges including two counts of aggravated assault and one count each of receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm by a minor, reckless endangerment, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of an illegal firearm. Ellis set bond at $200,000. O’Brien was initially taken to Washington County jail, but he is no longer listed as an inmate. Police said he had a juvenile probation detainer for a previous firearm conviction. Juvenile officials would not comment on whether he was transferred to a juvenile facility. A preliminary hearing was tentatively set for Dec. 19 before District Judge Mark Wilson.