Area man accused of shooting in home
A Houston man was arrested after he allegedly fired a shot through the living room ceiling of his home during a domestic dispute with his wife.
William Thomas Alexander, 50, of 211 Beachview St., is accused of firing a shot from a 9mm Beretta just before midnight Wednesday.
State police were initially called for a possibly suicidal man with a gun. When troopers arrived after midnight, they found Alexander on the front porch.
His 48-year-old wife, Tonya Alexander, told troopers she and her husband were arguing all day. Both had been drinking. He left the home and returned about 11 p.m. She was sitting on a couch next to the laundry room when he emerged from that room, holding a black pistol.
Alexander reportedly grabbed his wife’s arm and pushed her. He then allegedly grabbed her by the neck, pointed the gun at her head and threatened to kill her.
Tonya Alexander was able to push away and go to the bedroom, where she called 911 to report the confrontation. She reportedly told the dispatcher she was locking herself in the bedroom and would be fine.
A short time after calling for help, she heard a single gunshot. Tonya Alexander left the bedroom and went into the living room, where she spotted a bullet hole in the ceiling and found her husband sitting on the couch holding the gun.
Their 16-year-old son, who also heard the shot, entered the living room and was able to get the gun from his father, police said.
Tonya Alexander made a second call to 911 before locking herself in the bedroom with the gun.
Police confiscated the 9mm handgun, as well as other weapons found in the home.
William Alexander was arraigned before District Judge Gary Havelka on charges of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, simple assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct and harassment. He was placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 7 before District Judge David Mark.