Shenandoah Man Faces Charges for Gel Ball Gun Harassment and Vandalism

In a concerning incident in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, a local man has been accused of harassing several people with a gel ball gun and damaging a victim's vehicle with a baseball bat. The case highlights the potential dangers of misusing such devices and the importance of responsible behavior in the community.

Shenandoah Resident Accused of Reckless Behavior and Property Damage

Alleged Harassment with Gel Ball Guns

According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred on June 27th in Shenandoah. An off-duty police officer, Patrolman Matthew Williams, witnessed a Hyundai Sonata stopped at a red light, with the driver and front-seat passenger brandishing gel ball guns and firing them at a nearby pickup truck. The sedan then followed the truck, continuing to shoot gel balls.Patrolman Williams noted the license plate number and proceeded to the police station, where he was soon called to a disturbance at 232 West Lloyd Street. There, the same Hyundai was reportedly firing gel balls at a pedestrian and several parked vehicles. Witnesses at the scene corroborated the report, and one of the owners of the targeted vehicles confronted the occupants of the Hyundai.

Alleged Assault with a Baseball Bat

At this point, a man later identified as Gil Ortega, 32, of 241 Schuylkill Avenue, Shenandoah Heights, exited the Hyundai with a baseball bat and proceeded to smash the victim's rear bumper. The victim was then shot multiple times with gel balls, and the involved vehicles fled the scene. Several gel balls were found at the scene, and the victim was covered in them.

Charges and Identification

Patrolman Williams tracked down the registered owner of the Hyundai, who stated that the vehicle was being loaned to Ortega. The victim then identified Ortega as one of the shooters and the man with the baseball bat.Ortega is now facing charges of misdemeanor simple assault, summary harassment, disorderly conduct, and criminal mischief. The incident highlights the potential for such devices to be used in a reckless and dangerous manner, and the importance of responsible ownership and use.As the case progresses, the community will be watching closely to see how the justice system addresses this concerning behavior and ensures the safety and well-being of all residents. The Shenandoah Sentinel will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.