Local

Man shot in face at after-hours bonfire, police say

BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — Investigators said a man was shot in the face in Butler County early Wednesday morning.

According to the criminal complaint, Michael Grasak, 27, of Butler, had just met the victim at a bar earlier in the night and was invited back to his house for some drinks and a bonfire.

Police said that while at the home on Oneida Valley Road, the victim, Ted Diver, of Oakland Township, and Grasak got into an altercation.

Police said Diver and his friends asked Grasak and his friend to leave, but just as they were leaving another fight began.

Investigators said that’s when Grasak pulled out a gun and fired one shot, striking 29-year-old Diver in the face.

“My son was shot right here in the face. It went through the side. He’s in the hospital not doing real well,” Diver’s father, Larry Divers, said.

Diver was taken to a Pittsburgh hospital. His condition has not been released.

Larry Divers is adamant that his son didn’t want Grasak and his friends on the property and they did not invite them.

“He told them to leave, and they went and rifled through his truck. He got angry and came at them. He told them to leave, and they pulled the gun and shot,” Larry Divers said.

State police told Channel 11 News that alcohol was likely a factor in the incident.

“They were drinking at a bar and rode it all back to the home to have a bonfire and keep drinking,” Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Dan Keston said.

Grasak is charged with criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.

Police said two others may face charges.

WPXI

Most Read