A Pennsylvania man is behind bars without bail after authorities say he shot his estranged wife’s new partner in a gym parking lot — then calmly got into his truck and drove away.
Police say 38-year-old Steven Heald is charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and misdemeanor stalking following the violent confrontation outside a Planet Fitness at Crossroads Plaza in Mount Pleasant. He is currently being held at the Westmoreland County Prison with no bail.
According to the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office, the shooting unfolded just after 1 p.m. Tuesday. The victim was standing in the gym’s parking lot when Heald allegedly approached him. The two men briefly spoke before Heald pulled out a gun and fired three shots.
But the violence didn’t stop there.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steve Limani said Heald then stood over the wounded man, struck him multiple times, and walked away. Heald allegedly got into his vehicle and drove off toward Connellsville, roughly nine miles south of the scene.
First responders arrived to find the victim suffering from gunshot wounds to his shoulder, buttocks, hip, and thigh, along with multiple cuts to his hands, face, and head. Authorities said the man was extremely fortunate to survive — thanks in part to a nurse who happened to be inside the gym at the time and immediately rushed to help.
Trooper Limani said quick action by bystanders and the medically trained witness likely saved the victim’s life.
State troopers later spoke with the injured man, who identified Heald as the shooter. Investigators say witness statements and surveillance footage backed up his account. Police were also able to trace the black Ford truck used in the getaway back to Heald.
When officers went to his home, they learned Heald had already turned himself in at the Connellsville Police Department. Authorities noted he had cuts on his knuckles and blood on his shoes, though not on his clothing, when he surrendered.
Investigators say the motive behind the attack was personal. The victim was reportedly dating Heald’s estranged wife. Trooper Limani said the two men had previously communicated through texts and in person, but there had never been violence before.
The victim is expected to make a full recovery.
Heald appeared before a judge for a preliminary arraignment the same day and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on January 21.
oh oh…. he’s got the obligatory facial hair, ball cap AND pick-up truck.
Let me guess… the pick-up truck is jacked up with black tinted windows and he drives 90 mph on every interstate, weaving in and out of traffic, cutting people off, tailgating AND NEVER GETS PULLED OVER BY THE COPS.
YEP, I SEE IT EVERYDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!