Samantha Atherholt, a 38-year-old woman from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, is facing serious charges after allegedly firing gunshots at Pennsylvania State Troopers during a standoff on December 26. The incident occurred at her home on Fried Drive in Middle Paxton Township. Atherholt reportedly fired what she described as warning shots when troopers arrived in response to a noise complaint about loud music.
According to court documents, Atherholt claimed the troopers were violating her Third Amendment rights, which protect against the quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent. During the standoff, she allegedly fired one shot, causing a trooper to retreat and call for backup. The Pennsylvania State Police's Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) was then deployed to the scene.
Atherholt is accused of firing three additional shots into the ground near an armored vehicle. When she allegedly raised her gun at the troopers, a SERT sniper shot her, according to Yahoo News. Two other individuals in the home were safely evacuated during the standoff.
Atherholt is currently held in Dauphin County Prison without bail due to safety concerns. She faces charges including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and assault of a law enforcement officer. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 28.