Apr 12, 2016 2 min read

BELLE VERNON – A Mon Valley man is facing charges he accidentally discharged his shotgun into a North Belle Vernon business while an employee was behind a counter in February.

North Belle Vernon police Monday filed charges against Cody Allen Birch, 24, of 552 National Pike, West Brownsville, stating in court records the investigating officer believes the discharge was an accident.

Birch said he took his two long rifles in his vehicle’s trunk to pawn them about 12:30 p.m. Feb. 29.

He first took his Midland .308-caliber rifle with a scope to Gem’s Quick Cash, 806 Broad Ave., only to return it to his vehicle after the sale did not go through, police said.

Birch said he then attempted to move his 12-gauge shotgun and it fired when the weapon became stuck on something. He said he was unaware the shotgun was loaded.

Police said the shot shattered the glass front door at Cal Cuthbert Pools and Fireplaces, 733 Broad Ave.

Birch said he immediately went to Cal’s to make sure no one was hurt and stayed until police arrived.

Police reviewed the store’s surveillance video March 2. The footage confirmed Birch’s account of what happened, court records show.

Birch is charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief. He will receive the charges in a summons from District Judge Charles Christner.