PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Downington man has been convicted of aggravated assault, terroristic threats, and other charges after threatening a teen in a case of domestic violence and shooting at Pennsylvania state troopers.
James Kratz, 39, was found guilty of threats against a 13-year-old on Feb. 27, 2021, inside a home on Steeple Chase Road in West Bradford Township, the Chester County District Attorney's Office said Friday.
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Prosecutors said that when troopers came to the scene, Kratz refused to follow their orders, threatened to shoot them, and then fired at them. Authorities said troopers found a ‘visibly shaken but uninjured 13-year-old child” afterward.
“Kratz terrorized a young child inside a residence, and when law enforcement was called to help, he turned his fury on them,” said District Attorney Deb Ryan.
“The defendant’s actions will undoubtedly haunt that child for the rest of his life, but this verdict will hopefully bring some closure for the victim.”
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Prosecutors did not initially announce his sentencing date.
Chester County prosecutors say that if people feel unsafe around loved ones, they should call the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County hotline at 888-711-6270 or 610-431-1430. Both numbers are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
They also say to call 911 in an immediate emergency.
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