Dad faces homicide charge in death of girl shot by constable

AP - NEW BLOOMFIELD, Pa. (AP) -- The father of a 12-year-old Pennsylvania girl accidentally shot by a constable serving eviction papers is facing homicide charges in her death.

Authorities say 57-year-old Donald Meyer pointed a loaded rifle at Constable Clark Steele on Jan. 11 and Steele fired a single shot in return. The bullet traveled through Meyer's arm and struck Ciara Meyer, who was standing behind her father.

Perry County District Attorney Andrew Bender said Thursday that Meyer's "extremely reckless actions" led to his daughter's death. He said the constable shot at Meyer in self-defense and will not face charges.

Meyer is jailed without bail. His public defender did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment on the charges.