East Huntingdon man's bond revoked over safety concerns

An East Huntingdon man charged with the attempted murders of police officers was returned to jail Wednesday after a Westmoreland County judge said his continued freedom presented a danger to the community.

James R. Miller Jr., 61, had been free for the last two weeks after he paid $500,000 bail that was set last month by District Judge Charles Moore.

Miller was charged 21 counts, among them attempted homicide, aggravated assault, simple assault and other offenses in connection with a violent encounter with state police who responded to reports of gunfire outside of his home on Jan. 28.

Police contend Miller fired multiple rounds at state troopers as they approached homes across Route 819, across from West Overton Village.

Miller, police said, came outside with an assault-style rifle, refused orders to drop the weapon and fired. Police returned fire and Miller was wounded in the chest.

Miller did not appear in court for an emergency hearing last week, but was present in court Wednesday.

Common Pleas Court Judge Scott Mears said he considered but ultimately rejected a defense proposal allow Miller, who remains wheelchair bound as he recovers from his injuries suffered in the shooting, to await trial while on house arrest.

“That was my initial thought. But after hearing testimony, I have great concern about the safety of the community,” Mears ruled. “Based on all the evidence, it seems we are looking at someone that night who was out of control. He heard a door bell and came out shooting immediately.

”What is house arrest going to do?”

Defense attorney Jill Devine argued that Miller has had no interactions with the community since his release on bail last month and can be properly supervised outside of jail.

But Assistant District Attorney Anthony Iannamorelli said Miller’s alleged conduct does not warrant pretrial release.

“The only thing home electronic monitoring would say is where the next incident will happen,” Iannamorelli said.

The judge said concerns about mental health impacted his decision to return Miller to jail.

Mears said he will consider reinstating the bond at a later date should evidence become available to ensure public safety concerns can be addressed.