A Pennsylvania resident, Nathan Fink, 40, is currently in custody after allegedly initiating a shooting spree at a local bar, resulting in multiple injuries and the death of a mother of four. Fink faces charges of criminal homicide, along with over a dozen counts of reckless endangerment and attempted criminal homicide. Pennsylvania State Police report that Fink was involved in a physical dispute with patrons at Breaker’s Pub in Ellport Boro, approximately 40 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, in the early hours of Sept. 7.
The incident escalated when Fink was removed from the bar following the altercation. He left the premises in his vehicle, only to return shortly after. Upon his return, Fink allegedly opened fire in the parking lot of Breaker’s Pub, using a rifle to shoot at the bar’s exterior. The gunfire hit multiple vehicles and penetrated the main entrance door, injuring several people inside the pub.
Fink then reportedly reentered his vehicle and continued his shooting spree, targeting multiple businesses and residences before fleeing east along Portersville Road, according to the police statement.
Among the victims was Crystal Wawryznski, a 37-year-old mother of four, who was declared dead at the scene. Her husband also sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Three other individuals were hit by the gunfire, including one man who was inside his apartment at the time of the incident.
Local news outlet New Castle News reported that an argument between Fink and three other men had escalated into a physical confrontation. After one of the men broke up the fight, Fink left the bar, leaving behind his wallet and identification. One of the men involved in the altercation recalled Fink threatening to retrieve his knife and warning the bar patrons of the trouble he could cause.
Upon his return, Fink allegedly fired dozens of shots at the bar. Police discovered two sets of 11 shell casings from two different firearms at the scene. Fink was later apprehended at his home on the afternoon of Sept. 7. He was arraigned on Sunday and denied bail. Court records indicate that Fink has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 18.