A Millvale man, previously convicted of arson, is making headlines once more. James Edward Casson, age 32, faced new charges after allegedly firing a shotgun and threatening a woman while a school bus was nearby last Thursday. According to WPXI, the incident prompted buses from the Shaler School District and Pittsburgh Regional Transit to be temporarily rerouted.
Despite no injuries reported, the event underscores the potential danger, as Casson is prohibited from firearm possession due to a 2014 felony arson conviction. Firing a single round into the air after becoming agitated, Casson allegedly pointed the weapon at a woman seeking repayment of a debt from his father. Neighbors like Michelle Miller believe the action was intended more as a scare tactic than an actual threat. Miller, having had a conversation with Casson in the past, told WPXI, “He only shoots it in the air. We’ve had a conversation. I mean he doesn’t like aim it at anybody or anything.”
After the incident, Millvale police seized five firearms from Casson’s home. “I’m just glad they are gone and we don’t have to worry about anything else now that the guns are gone and he shouldn’t get them back,” Miller explained to WPXI. Casson was charged with illegal possession of firearms, terroristic threats, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person. A judicial decision resulted in Casson being denied bail due to the posed threat to the victim…