New details and additional charges have been filed following a shots fired incident last Wednesday in Butler Township near Girardville, with court documents outlining how a verbal dispute escalated into violence involving multiple individuals.
According to the Butler Township Police Department, officers were dispatched around 5:10 p.m. on April 8, 2026, to the intersection of Ogden and Julia Streets in Girardville for a reported domestic disturbance.
Fight Between Two Men Led to Escalation
Affidavits of probable cause state the incident began as an argument between Kenneth Jones, 57, of Frackville, and Jacob Taylor, 18, of Mount Carmel over an ongoing issue.
Police say the confrontation turned physical when Taylor allegedly punched Jones multiple times in the head, causing him to fall to the ground. Jones suffered injuries including a head wound and was transported to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for treatment.
Taylor later admitted to police that he punched Jones and engaged in a verbal and physical altercation. He is now charged with:
- Terroristic threats
- Simple assault
- Disorderly conduct
- Harassment
Investigators also noted that during the incident, Taylor allegedly made a threatening statement, telling Jones to “come get stabbed” while making a motion as if retrieving an object from a nearby vehicle.
Shotgun Discharged During Incident
While officers were investigating the fight, three individuals, identified as William Cooney, Cooney's girlfriend, and Taylor, reported that they had been struck by a shotgun blast during the altercation.
Police allege that Zachary Catizone, 37, of Girardville, exited a garage and fired a single shotgun round toward the group, striking all three individuals and a vehicle. The injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
Zachary Catizone was taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and related offenses. Bail was denied, and he remains lodged in Schuylkill County Prison.
Vincent Catizone’s Role Detailed in Affidavit
Court documents also outline the alleged involvement of Vincent Catizone, 70, of Girardville, who was present during the incident.
According to police, Vincent Catizone initially denied knowledge of the shooting and claimed the sound may have been fireworks. However, investigators reported finding shotgun shell components at the scene. Police say Catizone later admitted that a shotgun had been fired and acknowledged his son, Zachary, had access to firearms inside the home.
In statements to police, Vincent Catizone reportedly said he was “trying to protect my kid.”
Investigators also allege Vincent Catizone took keys from a Subaru Crosstrek involved in the incident and later threw them under the vehicle after the shooting.
He is charged with:
- Three counts of unlawful restraint
- Obstructing administration of law
- Theft from a motor vehicle
- False reports to law enforcement
Additional Citations Filed
Two additional individuals were cited in connection with the incident:
- Kenneth Jones was cited for disorderly conduct after allegedly engaging in fighting behavior, including shoving and chest-bumping during the altercation.
- William Cooney, 18, of Shenandoah, was cited for disorderly conduct for engaging in a verbal altercation and contributing to the disturbance.
Police say video evidence, witness statements, and physical evidence were used in filing the charges.