Nathan Fink, a 40-year-old Pennsylvania resident, is currently being held in custody following a shooting incident at a local bar that resulted in several injuries and one fatality. Fink is facing charges of criminal homicide, as well as over a dozen counts of reckless endangerment and attempted criminal homicide. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, Fink was involved in a physical altercation with other patrons at Breaker’s Pub in Ellport Boro, located about 40 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, in the early hours of September 7.
The situation escalated after Fink was ejected from the bar due to the altercation. He left the premises in his vehicle, but returned shortly thereafter. Upon his return, Fink allegedly began shooting in the parking lot of Breaker’s Pub, using a rifle to fire at the exterior of the bar. The gunfire struck multiple vehicles and penetrated the main entrance door, injuring several people inside the pub.
Fink then reportedly got back into his vehicle and continued his shooting spree, targeting multiple businesses and residences before fleeing east along Portersville Road, according to the police statement.
Among the victims was Crystal Wawryznski, a 37-year-old mother of four, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Her husband also sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Three other individuals were hit by the gunfire, including one man who was inside his apartment at the time of the incident.
Local news outlet New Castle News reported that an argument between Fink and three other men had escalated into a physical confrontation. After one of the men broke up the fight, Fink left the bar, leaving behind his wallet and identification. One of the men involved in the altercation recalled Fink threatening to retrieve his knife and warning the bar patrons of the trouble he could cause.
Upon his return, Fink allegedly fired dozens of shots at the bar. Police discovered two sets of 11 shell casings from two different firearms at the scene. Fink was later apprehended at his home on the afternoon of Sept. 7. He was arraigned on Sunday and denied bail. Court records indicate that Fink has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Sept. 18.