NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. — What began as a utility shut-off ended with a worker running through the woods, in fear for his life, after police said a customer pulled a gun on him.
Channel 11 cameras captured Mykola Prut leaving his home on Water Street in North Huntingdon Township on Thursday morning. It was about 24 hours after police said Prut pointed a gun and threatened the worker, who was there to shut off his water.
Court documents said Prut told police he was getting ready to brush his teeth when the water stopped, so he grabbed his gun and went outside when he saw a man he didn’t recognize. Police say a marked van from the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County (MAWC) was parked right across the street, so they believe Prut was aware the man worked for the municipal authority. Police said Prut also fired a shot into his yard during the encounter with the worker.
Court documents say the victim feared for his life and ran through the woods to get away, even jumping into Brush Creek.
Investigators said after the man ran away, Prut successfully turned his water back on using the worker’s tool. He told police he took the keys to the municipal van into his house to make sure no one stole it.
Prut faces simple assault and theft charges.
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