Mark Scheitrum testified Friday in Schuylkill County Court that he still fears the neighbor who allegedly tried to kill him in April, and he succeeded in convincing a judge to keep that man behind bars pending a preliminary hearing.
"I feel like he's a threat to my life," Scheitrum, who had a bandage on his chin, said of John E. Clause, 58, of Reynolds. "I truly fear for my life at this point. He came over and shot me that night."
After both Scheitrum and Clause testified, Judge Cyrus Palmer Dolbin denied the latter's request to reduce his $75,000 straight cash bail.
A spokesman for Schuylkill County Prison said Friday afternoon that Clause remains behind bars.
State police at Frackville have charged Clause with attempted homicide, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and two counts of aggravated assault.
Police alleged Clause entered the 114 Reynolds Road home of Kevin Scheitrum, the alleged victim's father, about 8 p.m. April 12.
After entering the residence, Clause, who was carrying a Smith and Wesson Highway Patrolman 357 handgun, hollered at Mark Scheitrum. Then, Clause walked down the hallway and found Mark Scheitrum in the bathroom, police said.
Clause then hit Scheitrum in the head and drew his gun from its holster. During a struggle between the two men, the gun went off, police said.
The bullet hit Scheitrum in the face and caused life-threatening injuries. Scheitrum had to be flown by helicopter to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, according to police.
Police said Clause admitted that he argued with Scheitrum and the gun went off during the encounter.
Clause's preliminary hearing on the charges is scheduled for noon May 27 before Magisterial District Judge James R. Ferrier, Orwigsburg.
Wearing a prison jumpsuit and handcuffs, Clause testified this is his first arrest and he wants to be free on bail in order to help in his defense.
"Do you have $75,000 cash?" James G. Conville, Schuylkill Haven, Clause's lawyer, asked him.
"No," Clause replied.
"You want to defend against this case?"
"Yes."
Clause said he has no desire to have any contact with Scheitrum and would stay away from him if released on bail. He also said he would be willing to surrender his weapons and return any of his son's weapons to him.
Scheitrum said Clause lives close to him, another reason why he opposed a reduction in bail.
Conville argued to Dolbin that his client should be free in order to help in his defense. He also said Clause would be willing to accept conditions, such as a no-contact provision, that would keep Scheitrum safe.
However, First Assistant District Attorney Maria T. Casey successfully argued that Scheitrum's fear is legitimate and that Clause should not go free.
"We do oppose any modification (of the bail) at all," she said. Defendant: John E. Clause
Age: 58
Residence: Reynolds
Charges: Attempted homicide, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and two counts of aggravated assault