HARMONY — A local man is facing charges after allegedly firing a gunshot during a domestic dispute and then fleeing the scene, police said.

Somerset County Sheriff Dale Lancaster said deputies were dispatched Monday at 1:09 p.m. to Trafton Road in Harmony following the report of a domestic violence incident.

Deputies Stephen Armiger, Isaac Wacome, Sgt. Mathew Cunningham and Detective David Cole responded to the scene. Prior to their arrival, one of the people involved reportedly fled the scene in a gray 2008 Chevrolet Impala.

Justin Reber, 37, of Harmony, was arrested on charges of domestic violence assault with priors, Class C, domestic violence reckless conduct, Class C, and domestic violence criminal threatening with a firearm, Class C. Rebar was being held Monday without bail at the Somerset County Jail in Madison.

“The investigation revealed that allegedly the other individual involved in the domestic disturbance (and) Reber were arguing,” Lancaster said. “It is alleged that Reber displayed a 9mm handgun. A physical struggle ensued between the two individuals over the firearm.  The firearm discharged during the struggle. Fortunately, neither individual was struck.”

Lancaster said that Reber allegedly threatened to shoot the victim during the confrontation and there was a struggle for control of the gun; the victim was able to get possession and control of it.

Shortly after, at 1:25 p.m., officers received notification that the vehicle had been involved in a single-car crash about a mile away from where the incident was reported. The vehicle sustained significant damage as a result.

“Reber fled the scene and was involved in the motor vehicle crash,” Lancaster said.

Reber is scheduled to appear Aug. 4 at the Somerset County Unified Criminal Court and additional charges may be forthcoming after review by the Somerset County District Attorney’s Office.

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