by peter e. bortner
ORWIGSBURG - Christopher J. Johnston, whom borough police alleged fired a gun last December during a confrontation with three men, is headed to Schuylkill County Court after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday on charges stemming from the incident.
Johnston, 21, of 430 W. Market St., Orwigsburg, must defend against three counts each of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and attempted simple assault and one each of weapon of mass destruction, prohibited possession of firearm, receiving stolen property, making repairs to or selling an offensive weapon and disorderly conduct.
Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier bound over all charges for the county court after Johnston waived his right to the hearing and ordered that he remain in prison in lieu of posting $20,000 straight cash bail.
Orwigsburg police charged Johnston with firing a .38 special revolver at the three men, and possessing a homemade bomb, at 11:08 p.m. Dec. 17, 2013, at West Cherry and Harmon streets in the borough.
Police said Johnston fired the shot during a confrontation with the three men.
The gun had been stolen from a Pottsville woman, according to police.
A black powder substitute was in the bomb, according to police. That substance could cause an explosion when burned in a confined space, police said.Defendant: Christopher J. Johnston
Age: 21
Residence: Orwigsburg
Charges: Three counts each of aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person and attempted simple assault and one each of weapon of mass destruction, prohibited possession of firearm, receiving stolen property, making repairs to or selling an offensive weapon and disorderly conduct