No one hit by bullets in Dickinson break-in, resident in custody

• John Pyles

John Pyles

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A Dickinson resident shot a handgun at a 20-year-old man who was allegedly burglarizing his home over the weekend, according to the Dickinson Police Department.

A judge set bond for John Pyles, who is accused of forcing his way through the back door of a mobile home on Fourth Avenue Southwest, at $1,500 cash during a hearing Tuesday afternoon at the Stark County Courthouse.

A resident at the home fired a handgun at Pyles, Dickinson, and a physical altercation ensued, Dickinson Police Department Capt. Joe Cianni said.

“No one was actually hit with a bullet, thank goodness,” Cianni said. “Pyles claimed that he was going to the residence to retrieve some property from the tenants. It was his excuse for being there.”

He said it’s likely Pyles and the tenants knew each other.

During the struggle, the gun was discharged again, possibly accidently, and did not strike anybody, Cianni said.

Two tenants eventually subdued Pyles in the bathroom and he was arrested, Cianni said. Pyles had minor injuries from the altercation.

He is charged with criminal trespass, a Class C felony, which carries a maximum punishment of five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Judge William Herauf ordered Pyles not to come within 300 feet of the alleged victim, his home or place of employment. He also can not contact the alleged victim.

“By that I mean no direct contact, indirect contact, third parties, through computer or telephone or anything,” Herauf said.

The incident is under investigation.

Tags: dickinson police department, capt. joe cianni, news, local, crime, dpd