Firefighter accused of shooting at teens for trespassing

HAZLE TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A firefighter is being charged after police say he shot at a group of teens who were caught trespassing on the fire department’s property.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on June 15 around 11:00 p.m., troopers were called to the Harwood Volunteer Fire Company, in Hazle Township for a report of a pedestrian hit by a car.

Once on the scene, troopers said James Lockwood, 33, of Conyngham, stated he was hit by a dark-colored Jeep. Lockwood said he was a volunteer, heard the Jeep trespassing on the property, and yelled at the vehicle to leave the area, police stated.

Lockwood claimed the driver turned toward his direction and accelerated, hitting Lockwood, the complaint says.

While investigating the scene, troopers say the father of the 15-year-old driving the Jeep showed up to the fire department to report that his son was shot at while driving with two other teens in the SUV. State police say that the Jeep had bullet holes in the front passenger side that entered the hood and impacted the battery.

The driver told police that while he was driving on the fire department’s property, he heard gunshots causing him to approach the gate court, documents stated. Then the driver saw Lockwood point a gun, and fire at the vehicle, according to the affidavit.

The teen admitted to then swerving the SUV, hitting Lockwood, and fleeing the scene, troopers noted. Lockwood originally denied shooting at the teens but eventually admitted to firing shots from a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol at the Jeep out of fear, the affidavit states.

Lockwood has been charged with attempted aggravated assault, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and reckless endangerment. He was released on a $50,000 unsecured bail.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.