Court documents have revealed the findings and charges stemming from a November 10, 2024, incident involving a firearm discharge at the Walmart located in the Coal Creek Commerce Center in St. Clair.
According to a report issued by Police Chief William Dempsey after the incident, officers responded to a call at approximately 3:56 p.m. regarding shots fired inside the store. Preliminary investigations revealed a physical altercation between two male suspects and a third male victim that culminated in the victim discharging a firearm. Fortunately, no injuries resulted from the gunfire.
The individual who fired the weapon was reported as cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation continued. Police promptly evacuated the store to ensure customer and employee safety, while the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Forensic Sciences processed the scene for evidence.
Affidavit Provides New Details
An affidavit filed on January 14, 2024, with Magisterial District Judge Dave Plachko’s office offers further insights into the incident and the formal charges. The document, filed by Officer Christopher Wallace of the St. Clair Police Department, outlines the scene and subsequent investigation.
Upon arriving at Walmart, Officer Wallace coordinated the evacuation of customers. Police soon learned that Pottsville City officers had detained a man outside the automotive center. The man, later identified as 22-year-old Rayhiem Mitchell of New Philadelphia, admitted he was the individual who had discharged the firearm. Officers located a loaded black Glock 42 .380 caliber handgun in a vehicle belonging to Mitchell’s girlfriend, 27-year-old Tanis Frost.
Sequence of Events
The affidavit states that Mitchell and his friends, including Frost and Kydiere Teel, were at Walmart for a tire repair. While browsing the store’s Christmas decoration section, Mitchell was allegedly struck by 36-year-old Tyre Dunn of Pottsville. Dunn’s friend, 22-year-old Jaheim Gregory, reportedly threatened Frost before he and Dunn began attacking Mitchell.
During the assault, Mitchell told police he felt someone grabbing for his concealed firearm. Fearing for his life and Frost’s safety, he drew the weapon, chambered a round, and fired a warning shot into the air. Dunn and Gregory then fled the scene.
Mitchell, suffering a one-inch laceration over his left eyebrow, a bloody nose, and a cut finger, washed his injuries in the store bathroom before exiting to inform police. CCTV footage confirmed the firearm had been concealed in Mitchell’s black hoodie throughout the incident.
Charges Filed
Following interviews and evidence review, police charged:
Tyre Dunn, 36, of Pottsville – Simple Assault (Misdemeanor), Harassment (Misdemeanor), Disorderly Conduct (Summary)
Jaheim Gregory, 22, of Pottsville – Simple Assault (Misdemeanor), Harassment (Misdemeanor), Disorderly Conduct (Summary)
Rayhiem Mitchell, 22, of New Philadelphia – Firearm Not to Be Carried Without a License (Felony)
Although Mitchell legally owned the firearm, he did not possess a concealed carry permit at the time.