A Schuylkill County man is facing numerous charges following an incident in Ashland last week in which he allegedly fired a gun in the street several times.
According to court documents, police in Ashland were called to the area of 5th and Walnut streets shortly after 10 a.m. on May 23 for a report of multiple gun shots being fired.
Eyewitnesses reportedly told police that a man in a black hoodie and a woman in a purple tie-dye shirt were involved and had since fled the area.
As police were on patrol on Centre St. in the borough, a man wearing a black sweatshirt was spotted near 6th St. Police recognized him as Matthew Mabus, 33, of Ashland. When police confronted Mabus, he reportedly pulled up his shirt and put his hands in the air.
Police say they asked Mabus if he had a gun on him, which he denied. Mabus reportedly told police initially that he heard the shots come from down the street.
After leaving the scene toward Walnut St., police say they spotted a woman wearing a purple tie-dye shirt standing on the porch of a home there. Police recognized her as Mabus’ girlfriend, Amy Pass.
Police say Pass also put her hands in the air. And when asked about the gun shots, Pass reportedly said she had her gun near 5th and Walnut streets but did not fire it. She reportedly said her gun was inside her home.
After getting those denials of any involvement, police say they went back to the person who called 9-1-1 initially and viewed photos of Mabus and Pass standing on the corner of 5th and Walnut streets. The witness reportedly told police that Mabus had fired a gun four times. Police say they also obtained images of Pass taking possession of the gun.
Mabus was then taken into custody and when interviewed, he reportedly admitted that it was he who shot the gun. He said he tried taking the gun from Pass but it went off by accident. Police say evidence from the scene pointed toward the gun that Pass now had was the one fired earlier that morning.
During his interview, Mabus allegeldy said he’d fired four shots that morning
Police have charged Mabus for illegal possession of that gun due to his prior criminal record. He’s also been charged with reckless endangerment, lying to police, and tampering with evidence.
Mabus was arraigned before District Magistrate Judge Edward Tarantelli, who set bail at $75,000, which hasn’t been posted. He remains in Schuylkill County Prison awaiting a preliminary hearing.
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