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Armed standoff fueled by urinating dog ends in Indiana Borough

INDIANA BOROUGH, Pa. — An Indiana County man was taken into custody Tuesday morning after surrendering to end an armed standoff which police believe was fueled by alcohol and an argument with a friend over how to discipline a dog that urinated in the man's apartment.

Matthew Palmeri, of White Township, is facing charges including aggravated assault and reckless endangerment for allegedly firing a gun at his friend after they argued over Palmeri's decision to beat the urinating dog, police said.

“I heard a bunch of ruckus on the door,” neighbor Jeremiah McPhearson said.

Authorities said the alleged victim was able to flee the Byron Court apartment and call police about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

“I thought I heard people arguing in my dreams,” neighbor Austin Eaddy said. “I didn’t think anything of it and my roommate told me to come outside.”

According to police, Palmeri, 25, had access to assault rifles before surrendering about 7 a.m.

Troopers believe Palmeri may have been passed out during part of the standoff.

“We’re looking at different things – assault weapons, assault rifles – and we’re looking at things like an MK47 and semiautomatic shotguns,” Pennsylvania State Police Trooper John Matchik said.