Galeton Man Attempted to Shoot Lancaster Man During Fight

Victim suffers injury to eye and lip, loses tooth during altercation

WEST BRANCH TWP. –  State Police report that a Galeton man has been charged with Aggravated Assault and remanded to the Potter County Jail after an incident on Wednesday, November 17 at 8:30 pm at a seasonal residence off of Paul Hollow Road in West Branch Township.

Police say Terry L. Lawson, 56, of Galeton, PA engaged in a fight with Jon J. Heidenreich, 59, of Lancaster, PA. During the fight Lawson is accused of brandishing a .22 caliber rifle and attempting to fire it at the victim after pointing it at him.

Police say the rifle failed to discharge and a physical altercation ensued which landed both men on the ground. Lawson is then accused of punching Heidenreich in the face multiple times.

Heidenreich suffered a laceration to the eye, a cut on his upper lip and lost a tooth as a result of the fight.

Lawson was charged with Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault and Harassment in District Judge Delores G. Bristol’s courtroom. He was subsequently committed to the Potter County Jail after failing to post $50,000 straight bail.

An investigation continues.