53-year-old PA man arrested for opening fire on a semi-truck after complaining about the noise they make
On an unassuming afternoon this week in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the typical local road noise was suddenly interrupted by the sound of gunfire. At 1:55 pm, the Altoona Police Department responded to reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they discovered that a passing semi-truck had been struck by a bullet. It lodged in the trucker’s windshield. No one was injured, but the investigation revealed a larger story.
Police traced the shot to a nearby house
In response, the Altoona Police Tactical Response Team activated, and officers initiated a “surround and call-out” operation. The team secured the area to ensure no further danger to the public. They also executed search warrants at the home.
What they uncovered inside was significant: six firearms and a “large” amount of marijuana, along with packaging materials. Investigators identified the likely shooter as the 53-year-old resident.
The man was arrested and charged with multiple serious offenses. These include “Criminal Attempt Homicide,” “Aggravated Assault”, “Risking a Catastrophe,” and “Possession With Intent to Deliver Marijuana.” His bail was set at $400,000.
CDLLife shared that the local had formally complained to both the city council and police several times about semi-trucks Jake Braking in the area.
“Jake Braking” is a term used to describe the process of using an engine’s compression to slow down a vehicle.
Typically, commercial and semi-trucks employ Jake Brake systems
The term comes from the brand name “Jacobs Engine Brake,” a system developed to assist with engine braking. Cummins owns the system now.
In a Jake Brake system, the engine’s exhaust valves open at a certain time. This releases compressed air from the cylinders and slows the engine down. The action helps reduce wear on the vehicle’s traditional braking system, such as the brake pads, and provides extra stopping power, especially on steep declines.
While it’s effective for slowing down a truck, Jake Braking can be noisy. It’s often prohibited in certain areas, particularly in residential zones or areas near hospitals.
