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Constable Kills Little Girl When Serving Eviction Notice

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Authorities are investigating after a constable accidentally killed a 12-year-old Pennsylvania girl when serving her father an eviction notice.

Police say Constable Clark Steele went to the apartment of Donald Meyer to serve an eviction notice Monday morning when Meyer allegedly drew a loaded 223-caliber rifle, WHTM reports. Steele pulled out his .40-caliber pistol and fired a single shot but accidentally hit and killed Meyer’s 12-year-old daughter Ciara Meyer, who was home sick.

“The suspect opened the door to the residence and then shut it,” state police said in a statement about the incident. “The suspect then re-opened the door and engaged Constable Steele in a brief exchange of words, and then leveled a loaded .223 caliber rifle, which had been slung and concealed along his body, directly at Constable Steele with a point of aim at his chest. Constable Steele, who was in uniform, quickly removed his .40 caliber duty weapon from its holster and fired a single round striking the suspect in his upper left arm.”

The bullet went through Donald’s arm and hit Ciara, killing her at the scene. Steele said it was “absolutely not intentional.”

Donald has been charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, terroristic threats, and reckless endangerment. The investigation is ongoing.

“Very kind, sweet kid,” a neighbor of the family told WHTM. “Here’s a little girl that doesn’t even have a chance to grow up and live her life, and all because of this senseless act. It’s horrible, absolutely heartbreaking.”

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