DERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — An 11-year-old Westmoreland County girl was shot in her upstairs bedroom after her father banged his rifle on the floor of the room below, Channel 11's Joe Holden reported.
Police said there was an argument in the house that almost accidentally ended with a senseless tragedy.
The bullet went into the living room ceiling and through the bedroom floor before it hit the girl in the foot and leg.
More than a dozen calls were placed to 911.
Neighbors told Channel 11 News that the accused, Thomas Furin, attempted to take his wounded daughter to the hospital before he gave himself up on the front porch as troopers raced to the home.
Police and neighbors said it was daylong fight that escalated when, according to arrest papers, Furin talked about hurting himself.
"You could tell it was an argument between him and his girlfriend," neighbor David Schrum said.
Neighbors said Furin loves his daughter, and would never intentionally hurt her. Nevertheless, he was taken to prison and will face aggravated assault and other serious charges.
State police said that they typically see a spike in domestic violence this time of year.
"If you do have this type of argument or fight or domestic of this nature that are building, try and buy some time and get away from each other for a while," trooper Steve Limani said.
The injured girl was transported to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. She is expected to be OK. As of Monday night, however, she remained hospitalized. Doctors are hopeful her foot can be saved.
Furin will appear in court next month.