Authorities in Clearfield County say an off-duty police officer is behind bars after he shot another man during an altercation with the owner of a DuBois business over the weekend.
Police say officers were dispatched to “Invictus,” located along DuBois Street, early Sunday morning for a report of a shooting.
“Invictus” is described as a multi-recreational establishment that offers axe-throwing and virtual reality gaming, among other activities.
According to the affidavit, police say the suspect, 27-year-old Zachery Dodson, had reportedly shot another man during an altercation with the owner of the establishment.
“He will be prosecuted the same as everybody else. This case will be treated no differently,”
Authorities say, according to the owner, Dodson was reportedly acting “agitated and aggressive” prior to the altercation and was escorted out of the business.
Police say, according to witnesses, the owner and the victim were speaking with one another when Dodson allegedly returned, at which time her reportedly pulled out a gun.
Authorities say the owner attempted to disarm Dodson as the victim again tried to escort him from the building.
Police say a struggle reportedly ensued and the gun fired once, striking the victim in the face.
Authorities say the 31-year-old man was flown to UPMC Altoona, where he was listed in stable condition, before being transferred to UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh.
Officials noted that the man is expected to survive and has undergone surgery for a broke jaw.
“It could have been far worse. Thank the Lord that the individual that was shot was not fatally wounded, and nobody else was injured in the altercation,”
Police also noted that the owner “tackled” Dodson to the ground and waited for officers to arrive on scene.