A Shenandoah Heights man is facing multiple charges after an altercation and alleged firearm incident that took place on Friday, June 13, 2025.
According to court papers filed by West Mahanoy Township Police, officers responded around 8:30 p.m. to a reported large fight in progress in the 200 block of Ohio Avenue in Shenandoah Heights. Dispatchers advised that one of the individuals involved had brandished a firearm before returning to a nearby residence.
Upon arrival, police determined that the suspect, Bruce Browning, 37, had been involved in a confrontation stemming from an earlier altercation between juveniles. The situation escalated when Browning allegedly exited his residence and became involved in a dispute with several people outside.
During the argument, Browning reportedly pulled a small black semi-automatic pistol from his waistband, racked the slide, and pointed the weapon toward a group of individuals. Multiple witnesses reported seeing the firearm and expressed fear for their safety. After the confrontation, Browning was pushed back into the residence.
Police secured the area and later obtained consent to search the home. Inside the residence, officers located a gray Louis Vuitton holster designed to hold a small semi-automatic pistol, along with a clear plastic 9mm magazine in plain view on a living room couch. However, no functional firearm was recovered, and Browning was not found inside the home.
A criminal background check revealed that Browning has multiple felony convictions from New York State, including for the criminal sale of controlled substances and felony possession of a loaded firearm. These convictions prohibit him from possessing or owning firearms.
As a result of the incident, Bruce Browning has been charged with:
- Aggravated Assault (F1) — Attempting to cause serious bodily injury with extreme indifference
- Possession of a Firearm Prohibited (F2)
- Carrying a Firearm Without a License (F3)
- Harassment (Summary Offense) — Subjecting another to physical contact
- Disorderly Conduct (Summary Offense) — Engaging in fighting