A Pennsylvania tow truck worker has been arrested for allegedly shooting his manager during a dispute at work.
Niko Hostler, 32, has been charged with criminal homicide, according to court records reviewed by Law&Crime. The victim, identified as 53-year-old Christopher Ashbaugh, died following the shooting.
Shooting at Springdale Township Tow Service
The incident occurred on Wednesday at Oaks Auto & Truck Service in Springdale Township, Pennsylvania. Hostler was nearing the end of his shift when Ashbaugh asked him to go out on a call. Hostler reportedly wanted to leave for the day, and the request sparked an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation.
Defendant’s Account
According to authorities, Hostler told police that Ashbaugh punched and pushed him multiple times. Fearing for his life and unsure whether his manager was armed, Hostler allegedly pulled out a gun and fired.
Ashbaugh was taken to a local hospital but was pronounced dead.
Witness Account
A nearby resident, Amanda Mattern, said she saw much of the altercation. “I heard them not talk, so I thought maybe they resolved it, then I heard them again, arguing, yelling, and then I heard ‘pop pop pop pop’ like five times,” she told Pittsburgh CBS affiliate KDKA. She added that the victim could be heard saying, “Help me, help me,” after being shot.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Hostler was taken into custody and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail without bail. He had a preliminary arraignment on Thursday and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on June 3.
