East Freedom Man Charged with Firing Multiple Shots in Township

An East Freedom man with a lengthy criminal past is in jail after police were called for a report of multiple shots being fired in the township on the evening of Aug. 3.

David W. Walter, 57, was jailed on felony charges of discharging a firearm into an occupied structure and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, as well as misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person, marijuana possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia after being taken onto custody following the incident that drew multiple area police departments to Champion Court, Freedom Township.

According to the criminal complaint filed by Freedom Township police, at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Aug. 3, a caller reported hearing multiple shots being fired around 116 Champion Court. Police said the caller reported more than 30 shots were fired and that he could hear them strike is roof and front porch.

Officers from Freedom Township, Greenfield Township, Allegheny Township, Blair Township, and Hollidaysburg Borough responded to the call and after arriving at Champion Court they heard more shots being fired.

As police branched out and canvassed the area, officers searching the area around 2620 Everett Rd. heard more gunshots "very close" to where they were, forcing police to take cover behind a vehicle parked at the residence. Police said they were able to retreat to their vehicles where they assembled additional units and devise a plan to confront the suspect.

While waiting for additional backup to arrive, a Freedom Township officer saw Walter exit his residence on Everett Rd., shirtless and drinking an alcoholic beverage. Police immediately took Walter into custody and did a safety sweep of his residence to ensure no additional threats were inside.

During the sweep, police said they found multiple firearms and ammunition, both discharged and live. While canvassing the area, police said they found multiple shotgun wads in the front and back of an Everett Rd. home, more shotgun wads along Everett Rd., and six fired shotgun shells.

Police secured a search warrant for Walter's Everett Rd. home and said they found five firearms including a semi-automatic, two shotguns, a Winchester bolt action, and a revolver. Police said they also found multiple rounds of ammunition both fired and unfired.

When questioned, police said Walter told them that he was firing the rounds both into the air and into a tree stump behind his house. Police said they also found large divots in the ground from rounds of ammunition being fired into it.

Police said Walter has four felony drug convictions dating back to 1993. As a convicted felon, Walter is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

Walter was arraigned by Hollidaysburg Magisterial Judge Paula Aigner and placed in the Blair County Prison on $100,000 straight bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for today, Aug. 10, in front of Martinsburg Magisterial District Judge Andrew Blattenberger.