12-year-old fatally shot by constable in eviction dispute

A 12-year-old girl is dead after a constable serving an eviction fired at an armed tenant but also hit his daughter.

When Constable Clarke Steele served an eviction notice to Donald Meyer, 57, the tenant opened the door with a rifle over his shoulder, Philly.com reported. After Meyer pointed his rifle at Steele, the constable pulled his handgun and fired, hitting Meyer in the left arm.

The bullet passed through his arm and hit his daughter, Ciara, who was pronounced dead at the scene, PennLive reported in a related article.

The incident took place at the Pfautz Apartments near Duncannon, according to the Sentinel, which added that the shooting caused concern for the Susquenita School District, which said in an email that it is considering its effects on its students.

Meyer was charged with aggravated and simple assault, making terrorist threats and reckless endangerment, PennLive added.

Neighbor Sarah Harman was quoted by PennLive, saying that Ciara “was a sweet little girl – so kind, so loving. I just hope she didn’t suffer.”