Bail stands at $1M for accused shooter

BY STACI WILSON

Bail stands at $1 million for a New Milford man accused of shooting another man outside a bar in May.

Jason Aronowitz, 42, appeared Wednesday, Aug. 10, in Susquehanna County Court asking that his bail be reduced.

After testimony from Aronowitz and two Pennsylvania State Troopers, President Judge Kenneth Seamans denied the bail reduction request.

Judge Seamans said Aronowitz was not only a flight risk but also posed a danger to the community.

“Bail set in the matter is appropriate,” said the judge.

Aronowitz allegedly fired two shots at close range into the stomach area of Michael Reid outside aNew Milfordbar on May 20.

Reid survived but, according to District Attorney Jason Legg, sustained major injuries – losing parts of his stomach, liver and pancreas. Reid was present at the bail hearing.

Defense attorney Paul Ackourey argued his client had substantial ties to the community and would adhere to any bail restrictions imposed by the judge.

The two state police officers who took the stand, Cpl. Timothy Gilhooley and Tpr. Craig Purdum, described the 18-hour police manhunt for Aronowitz.

Gilhooley said state police received a tip that Aronowitz was at a travel trailer on property in New Milford Twp. that was not easily accessible and was not visible from the road.

Gilhooley, was one of three officers on the scene when Aronowitz was taken into custody.

He said he was in the door of the trailer when police arrived and was taken into custody without incident.

Purdum told the court he was called back onto duty after Aronowitz was apprehended.

After the accused man was arraigned and transported to the county jail, Purdum said he went to the travel trailer because the property owner reported he found a gun at the location.

During an interior search of the trailer, Purdum said he located a rifle hidden behind a piece of wood. The rifle was loaded with a full clip and two more fully-loaded magazines near the weapon.

District Attorney Jason Legg told the court he thought the $1 million bail was reasonable.

Legg said, “Every trooper in the county was looking for him. He was basically in hiding. He didn’t turn himself in.”

“He’s dangerous,” Legg offered. Police seized an AR15 with a loaded clip in it and two loaded clips next to it, he told the court.

The district attorney argued that if Aronowitz wasn’t outside the trailer when troopers arrived he was prepared to “go out in a blaze of glory.”