Washington Man To Stand Trial For Shots Fired Incident

A Washington man arrested for discharging a gun while suffering a PTSD incident will face trial. At his preliminary hearing, William Coles, 66 had felony charges of prohibited possession of a firearm and discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure held for court without a hearing. Because a witness failed to appear, felony aggravated assault, misdemeanor simple assault and reckless endangerment charges were dismissed. According to the criminal complaint, police were called on December 7 to North Main Street for a man suffering a PTSD episode. Shortly after dispatch they were alerted to shots being fired. Coles was located near 71 North Main Street and taken into custody. A witness described Coles firing his gun near her inside of his apartment. She said she feared for her life and fled. Early investigation found Coles to be previously convicted of a felony and not to possess a weapon. The incident is of note because Washington and Jefferson College issued a shelter in place order to its students during the incident. Coles is free on $100,000 bond, he will be formally arraigned on February 24.