Suspect accused of shooting girl, 17, outside in Fayette Co. field arrested

NORMALVILLE, Pa. — A 17-year-old girl is recovering after she was shot several times while spotting deer with her family in Fayette County.

State police said Cortney Snyder was spotting deer in Normalville in a field off od Hawkins Hollow Road when she was shot just before 11 p.m. Sunday.

Investigators said she was hit several times by pellets from a shotgun and was airlifted to UPMC Mercy Hospital. She underwent surgery Monday and hopes to return home in a few days.

“I love her and miss her to death. I’m sorry for what’s been happening,” Snyder’s friend, Bethany Pazicni said.

“I thought that instantly she was dead, but I heard that she was conscious and talking,” Snyder’s friend, Dalton Ohler, said.

Snyder’s friends said she loved the outdoors and they will be strong for her as she continues to recover.

State police announced Monday that Jeremy James Pritts, 35, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, among other charges, in connection with the shooting.

Pritts faces a preliminary hearing Nov. 21.

WPXI