Two charged with attempted homicide after Altoona shooting

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Two men have been charged with attempted homicide after a late-night shooting in Altoona.

Benjamin Merritts, 27, and James Cain Jr., 38, were both arrested after Altoona Police responded to a call for a man with a gunshot wound on North 4th Avenue at 10:58 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17.

According to police , officers arrived at the scene and found a male victim who had been shot in the mouth with a 9mm. The bullet penetrated the victim’s mouth and exited the opposite cheek. Police said he also had a bullet wound to his back and a gunshot into his backpack.

Through the investigation, police said Merritts and Cain were identified, saying Merritts was the shooter. Both men were found a few blocks from the shooting, heading in opposite directions.

Police added that the Glock 19 used in the shooting was reported stolen and was recovered a short distance from where they arrested Merritts.

Officers said that Merritts is charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, person not to possess firearms, receiving stolen property, firearms not to be carried without a license, criminal trespass, simple assault, and other related charges.

Cain is facing charges of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, criminal trespass, simple assault and other related charges.

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Both were placed in Blair County Prison Sunday afternoon. Bail for Merritts was set at $750,000 while Cain’s bail is $500,000.

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