Accused Altoona shooter was called ‘The Joker,’ more details released by police

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — An Altoona duo was arrested on attempted homicide charges after allegedly shooting a man they were trying to buy drugs from, police said in the released criminal complaint.

Benjamin Merritts, 27, and James Cain Jr., 38, were arrested after running from the scene of a shooting at an apartment building on the 1300 block of N. 4th Avenue late Saturday night.

According to charges filed that were released to WTAJ Monday, Altoona police arrived at the scene to find the victim bleeding profusely, having been shot in the mouth and the bullet exiting the other side of his cheek. A witness allegedly told police the man was shot by “The Joker,” a nickname police noted that Merritts later admitted to be known as.

The victim was taken to UPMC Altoona before being rushed to UPMC Pittsburgh while he was still losing large amounts of blood, the complaint reads.

While investigating the shooting, police said they saw security footage from a witness where they heard two loud pops before the victim was seen bleeding and banging on a door for help. Police added that Merritts and Cain were seen walking south before Cain turned around and went in the opposite direction.

According to charges, police were familiar with Cain and knew he lived about 5 blocks away from the scene. An Altoona police sergeant began to watch the house. Cain was allegedly seen leaving the house and going into the woodline for about 20 minutes. When he emerged he was taken into custody.

Merritts was found and taken into custody. A search of him turned up brass knuckles, a needle and a small scooper, the complaint shows. Merrits would eventually tell police that the two went to buy drugs and didn’t know the victim. They were going to buy some methamphetamine and after handing over $50, the victim said he burned them and walked away. According to his account to police, he got angry and shot at the victim.

Merritts allegedly admitted that he was walking on N 4th Street after and heard police sirens. He then threw the gun into the grass at the fence of a storage unit. Police found the Glock and confirmed it was reported stolen just days earlier on Aug. 14.

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Police noted that they were able to collect the victim’s belongings from UPMC Altoona where a bullet slug was found in his backpack.

As previously reported , Merritts and Cain are in Blair County Prison, unable to post bail. Preliminary hearings are scheduled for Aug. 28.

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