Two Men Charged for Alleged Handgun Firing Near Playground

Police say the suspects were recorded shooting a pistol toward a river near a city playground and cemetery.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:20pm

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Two local men, Tyler Houston Labella and Levi James Edward Vitka, have been charged with recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct after an investigation revealed they allegedly fired a handgun near a playground and cemetery in Franklin, Pennsylvania last September.

Why it matters

The incident raises concerns about public safety and gun violence in the community, especially in areas frequented by families and children. It also highlights the importance of community cooperation with law enforcement to help identify and hold accountable those engaged in reckless and dangerous behavior.

The details

According to the police affidavit, officers responded to reports of shots fired near the 15th Street playground and cemetery, where they found three spent Sig Sauer 380 Auto casings. Investigators used video footage from an unrelated case to identify Labella and Vitka as the individuals who held and fired the handgun toward the river.

  • The incident occurred on September 25, 2025.
  • Vitka has a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 29, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

The players

Tyler Houston Labella

A 21-year-old transient from Franklin, Pennsylvania who is charged in the incident.

Levi James Edward Vitka

A 22-year-old resident of Oil City, Pennsylvania who is also charged in the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those who engage in reckless and dangerous behavior accountable to protect our community.”

— Adam W. Steiner, Franklin Police Patrolman

What’s next

Vitka's preliminary hearing on April 29 will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with the charges against him. Police are still searching for Labella, who has no known address, to arrest him on the charges.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to address gun violence and ensure public safety, especially in areas frequented by families and children.