Three charged after gunshots lead to robbery, assault report in Erie - Erie Times-News

ERIE, Pennsylvania — Three suspects are in custody and facing a series of felony charges after reports of gunfire in Erie led police officers to discover a robbery and assault scene on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident occurred on February 11, 2026, in the 700 block of East Avenue. Officers responded to multiple calls reporting shots fired at approximately 3:45 p.m. Upon arrival, police observed three individuals attempting to flee a residence. After a brief pursuit, officers detained the suspects, identified as 21-year-old Marcus Bennett, 19-year-old Tyler Davis, and 22-year-old Jordan Carter, all residents of Erie.

A subsequent investigation at the scene revealed that the incident was not a random shooting but a targeted confrontation. According to investigators, the three suspects confronted a male victim outside the residence, demanding money and valuables. During the altercation, one of the suspects drew a handgun and fired at least two shots. While the gunfire did not strike anyone, the suspects proceeded to physically assault the victim, striking him multiple times before taking his wallet and mobile phone.

The victim, whose name has not been released, sustained facial lacerations and contusions from the assault. He was treated at the scene by Erie Bureau of Fire paramedics and later transported to UPMC Hamot for further evaluation. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Police recovered a loaded 9mm handgun discarded near the path of the suspects' flight, along with the victim's stolen belongings. The weapon was determined to have been reported stolen from a nearby county last year.

All three suspects have been arraigned before District Judge Tom Robie. Bennett, Davis, and Carter face multiple charges, including robbery, aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a firearm without a license, and reckless endangerment. They are currently being held at the Erie County Prison on $150,000 bond each, pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for next week.

Erie Police Chief Dan Spizarny commended the quick response of the officers and the cooperation of local residents. "The rapid reporting by neighbors who heard the gunshots allowed our officers to arrive in time to intercept the suspects," Spizarny said. "Their cooperation was vital to securing these arrests and removing another illegal firearm from our streets."