Grandfather shot, killed trying to diffuse argument in Harrison Twp.

A grandfather was shot and killed Sunday evening while reportedly trying to de-escalate an argument in Harrison Twp.

John Barnett, 53, was identified Monday as the gunshot victim by Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger. He was shot around 7:25 p.m. Sunday in the 1900 block of Ontario Avenue, where he was pronounced dead.

Deputies arrested the suspect Sunday and were expected to present charges Monday to the prosecutor’s office, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said during a media briefing.

The suspect, a 31-year-old man, went to a residence looking for another man, Streck said.

A 20-year-old man and 15-year-old boy were at the residence and reportedly told the suspect the other man wasn’t there.

“An argument of some sort began,” Streck said. “They decided that they would call their grandfather, who is our victim.”

The man, later identified as Barnett, came to help his grandchildren and diffuse the argument, the sheriff said.

“During that de-escalation, the suspect brandished a firearm and shot the individual and fled the scene,” Streck said. “This occurred in the view of his grandchildren and several neighbors that were outside on a nice night.”

Deputies attempted life-saving measures, but Barnett succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Crews searched the area and found the suspect. He was interviewed and booked into jail. A K9 crew also found the gun believed to be used in the shooting.

About the Author