Woman Claims Self-Defense In Felony Shooting That Sent Man To Pittsburgh Hospital (original) (raw)

MADISON TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A Rimersburg woman is behind bars on felony charges after police say she shot a man in the torso during a confrontation on Tuesday.

According to the criminal complaint, Tiffany Nicole Sleigher, 34, has been charged with second-degree felony aggravated assault for attempting to cause, or causing, bodily injury with a deadly weapon.

Troopers from the Pennsylvania State Police Clarion Station responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Route 861 in Madison Township around 5:11 p.m. on March 10, the affidavit said.

A witness told police that Sleigher and Gary Whitling were involved in a verbal argument in the backyard, according to the complaint. During the dispute, Sleigher allegedly walked to her vehicle, retrieved a handgun, and returned to the yard.

The witness told investigators she stood between the two individuals as the argument continued. Sleigher then shot Whitling in the chest area, according to the affidavit. Whitling was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital for treatment, though his condition is unknown.

Initial radio traffic indicated that police were dispatched to an area past Lobaugh Hill Road in the Wildcat area, according to reports. Sleigher left the scene in a silver Kia SUV, court records said. Troopers located her at a residence on Shimmons Road in Toby Township shortly after the incident.

According to the affidavit, Sleigher told police the act was self-defense. She informed troopers she used a .38 Special revolver and believed she dropped the weapon after the incident, the complaint said.

Magisterial District Judge Timothy P. Schill set bail at $250,000 during a preliminary arraignment on Wednesday. Sleigher remains in the Clarion County Jail after being unable to post bail, according to court documents.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 24 at 11:00 a.m. in front of Judge Schill. Charges were filed through Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller’s office.