State police in Cameron County have charged an Emporium man after he fired multiple shots inside a residence during a domestic dispute, according to a criminal complaint.
Troopers say Edwin Welch, 49, faces charges of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, reckless endangerment, making terroristic threats, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct, according to online court documents.
According to the arrest affidavit, during the early morning hours of Saturday, Feb. 12, troopers were dispatched to a residence along Sizerville Road in Portage Township for a report of shots fired.
Investigators say when police arrived on scene, they learned that the victim had fled to a neighbor’s home while Welch was still inside the residence.
When troopers attempted to make contact with Welch, authorities say he warned them that he had a gun and that if anyone came into the residence, “there would be a blood bath.”
Police say troopers were eventually able to get Welch to leave the residence without further incident and he was taken into custody.
Troopers say upon interviewing the victim, she stated that Welch had arrived home from the bar and was very irate.
The victim stated that Welch then picked up a handgun and fired several shots inside the living room of the home
Investigators say Welch then turned the gun on himself, while holding the victim, and told her that the last bullet would “take care of both of them.”
Following a brief struggle, troopers say the victim was able to flee to a neighbor’s home.
Upon further investigation, police noted that they observed seven bullet holes in the living room area of the home, as well as one in the bedroom wall.
Troopers say they also found three shotgun shell casings near the driveway of the home.
Welch was arraigned to the Cameron County Prison, on $250,000 bail, court dockets show.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17.
