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Blair County Man Arrested For Shooting At Tenants

State police in Hollidaysburg say an Altoona man is behind bars following a shots fired investigation over the weekend.

Troopers say multiple officers were dispatched to a residence in Tyrone Township Sunday afternoon after 911 received a call from an individual who claimed that he had been shot at by his landlord.

Police say the caller identified his landlord as 62-year-old Craig Burns, and stated that he was inside his residence when he heard a gunshot outside.

Investigators say when the tenant opened his door, he reportedly witnessed another shot strike the wooden doorway above him and a second shot that struck his vehicle.

Troopers say three other neighbors also reported hearing multiple gunshots in the area of the residence.

Police say authorities then spoke with one of Burns’ family members who claimed that he was not home at the time of the alleged incident, however, troopers did recover a black .22 caliber rifle which reportedly belonged to him.

Investigators say authorities also found multiple bullet holes inside the caller’s residence.

Police say troopers later found Burns riding an ATV along Skelp Mountain Road and questioned him about the allegations.

According to the affidavit, troopers say Burns denied firing his rifle but was taken into custody after police discovered that his previous criminal history prohibited him from possessing any firearms.

Police say during their interview with Burns, he reportedly claimed that he has had issues with his other residents “stealing from him” but denied shooting at them.

“Burns repeatedly phrased his responses to reflect that he did not shoot at any persons and avoided stating their residence,”

Police say Burns then admitted to owning two .22 caliber rifles and when asked if there would be any gunshot residue on his hands, he responded, “there should not be.”

Troopers say Burns then became agitated and refused to answer any further questions.

According to online court records, Burns was arraigned Tuesday on charges of illegal firearms possession, discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and three counts of reckless endangerment.

He is being held at the Blair County Prison on $100,000 bail.

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