Bail has been set at $50,000 for a Toledo man accused of firing a shotgun during an argument on Sunday.
Nickolas Paine-Chambers, 35, allegedly got into an argument with a relative on Sept. 10 after the relative “came home late from a camping trip” and fired two rounds from a shotgun into the air, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in Lewis County Superior Court.
A third person at the Toledo residence called 911 to report the incident, at which time deputies with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched.
According to the reporting party, Paine-Chambers was “screaming at the other occupants on the property, making threats to kill” before going inside the residence, retrieving the shotgun and firing it into the air.
The reporting party “told dispatch he overheard Nickolas Paine-Chambers say, ‘If the cops show up, I’m going to shoot,” according to the affidavit.
When Paine-Chambers did see law enforcement and the reporting party at the scene, Paine-Chambers allegedly “pointed at (the reporting party) and said he was going to ‘beat your ass’ for calling the cops,” according to the affidavit.
When questioned by a deputy, Paine-Chambers allegedly “admitted to being in an argument and firing two rounds (before) he ran out of ammunition,” according to the affidavit.
The other occupants on the property confirmed the reporting party’s account of the incident, according to the affidavit. One occupant reported Paine-Chambers was under the influence of alcohol.
Paine-Chambers was booked into the Lewis County Jail at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Sept. 10. He has since been charged with one count each of unlawful discharge of a firearm and felony harassment, threat to kill.
While Deputy Prosecutor Joe Bassetti argued in favor of $50,000 bail during Monday’s preliminary hearing due to community safety concerns, defense attorney Rachael Tiller asked Judge Joely Yeager to allow Paine-Chambers to be released on unsecured bail.
Tiller noted a lack of similar charges on Paine-Chambers’ criminal record, as well as family support in the courtroom.
“I think that does speak volumes for Mr. Paine. This person, it’s just not Mr. Paine,” Tiller said, referencing the behavior alleged in the affidavit of probable cause.
Tiller added that the community safety concerns in this case are related to alcohol consumption and use of a firearm, both of which would be prohibited under standard conditions of release.
So long as Paine-Chambers could follow those conditions, Tiller said, “I think that should allay all court concerns at this time.”
Yeager ultimately agreed with Bassetti’s community safety concerns and granted the $50,000 bail request.
“(There are) extreme community safety concerns when you’re involving intoxicants and a shotgun,” Yeager said.
Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 14
