An eviction dispute led to a fatal shooting of a girl in Philadelphia Monday, according to PennLive.com.
Pennsylvania state constable Clarke Steele went Donald Meyer’s apartment to enforce an eviction order that was issued by District Judge Daniel McGuire.
Meyer was the father of Ciara Meyer, 12. He shut the door after opening it to Steele and reopened it a short time after, pointing a loaded gun at Steele’s chest after a brief exchange of words.
Police said Steele, who was in uniform, quickly pointed his duty weapon at Donald Meyer and shot him in the arm.
The bullet went through Donald Meyer’s arm and struck his daughter, who was standing behind him.
Police said they were sent to the apartment where the shooting happened at 10:03 a.m. Monday.
State police spokesman Trooper Rob Hicks said that Donald Meyer expected the visit.
“It was absolutely no surprise he was coming at this date and time,” he said.
Bill Stoeffler, spokesman for the constables' association, said. "It was absolutely not intentional that the girl was shot. The constable fired one round when he faced an immediate threat from which he could not retreat safely. He had no other force options."
Ciara Meyer's death was ruled a homicide. Her family set up a fund to help with funeral costs and to "fund a scholarship in (the school district) against domestic violence and mental illness."
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