Derry Twp. man accused of threatening partygoer with handgun

A Derry Township man is charged after allegedly holding a handgun to a friend’s head during an argument at an outdoor party.

Jonathan H. Sauer, 24, was arrested by Derry Borough police on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and harassment following the incident at 2:48 a.m. Saturday on East First Avenue.

Officer David Marghella said in court documents the alleged victim contacted police and reported Sauer became upset over comments made about a woman during a small outdoor gathering. Witnesses told police said Sauer went to his car, retrieved a .380 handgun and threatened to shoot the man.

Police said witnesses reported others at the gathering were able to disarm Sauer.

Sauer turned himself into police when called a day later and reported “he could not remember the events” because he blacked out.

Sauer could not be reached for comment and an attorney was not listed in court documents.

Sauer was released from the Westmoreland County Prison on $10,000 bail posted by a relative pending a preliminary hearing Oct. 16 before District Judge Mark Bilik, according to court dockets.