Drums Man Charged After Shooting At Deer Near Elementary School

Arould 12:45 am on Firday November 6th, Butler Township Police were dispatched to South Old Turnpike Road in the area of Fritzingertown Senior Living Center for a report of gunshots heard in the area.

Arriving officers reportedly witnessed a vehicle fleeing at a high rate of speed from the area of Middle Road toward St. Johns Road where the vehicle eventually pulled over after comitting multiple traffic violations and failing to pull over.

The operator of the vehicle was determined to be Shawn Rudis of Drums.

Rudis was taken into custody for suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled subastance.

Officers found a Remington .223 bolt action rifle, along with ammunition, a spent shell casing, and a spotlight inside of the vehicle.

Rudis admitted to officers that he was on South Beisels Road in the rear of Drums Elementary School and had discharged a round at a deer in a field along Interstate 81.

Two gunshots were heard. No injuries or property damage have been reported from the incident.

Butler Township Police were assisted by West Hazleton and Hazleton City Police.

Rudis was charged with the following:

F3 Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Officer

M DUI: Controlled Substance - Impaired Ability - 1st Offense

M1 Poss Instrument Of Crime W/Int

M2 Recklessly Endangering Another Person

M2 Propulsion Of Missiles Onto Roadways

S Careless Driving

S Driving at Safe Speed

Rudis was jailed at the Luzern County Correctional Facility for lack of $75,000 bail.