A Lancaster city man charged with shooting a bystander in the head during a gunfight that allegedly evolved out of a botched drug transaction will have his case proceed to county court after waiving his preliminary hearing. 

Noel “Los” Robles, of the 400 block of Euclid Avenue, waived his preliminary hearing before Judge Mary Mongiovi Sponaugle on April 29 on two counts of aggravated assault and a single count each of possession of a prohibited firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct.

Robles, 24, is accused of endangering multiple people inside and outside a convenience store in the 1100 block of Millersville Pike in Lancaster Township as well as pedestrians around the area and traffic along the road by firing the gun in January 2025. The victim was struck by a stray bullet in the midst of a volley of gunfire.

Though the victim survived her injuries she was required to undergo surgery to remove a bullet near her brain. Prior to the surgery the victim, who was familiar with Robles, identified him as one of the shooters during the gunfight. 

In a later interview with police the victim said Robles was “recklessly shooting” the gun during the incident. 

Tips from the public and other police departments corroborated the victim’s identification of Robles as one of the shooters. One tip, provided by a confidential informant to a detective in Yonkers, N.Y., alleged that Robles was living in New York City and “bragging about shooting a girl in the head.”

Video surveillance shows three vehicles, including one in which Robles was a passenger, pulling up outside the store the evening of Jan. 10, 2025. At some point during the transaction an altercation erupted between two individuals and Robles brandished a pistol from his coat pocket and began firing, video shows. 

At least one other person is seen on video returning fire towards Robles. The victim, who was not involved in the altercation, was struck with a stray bullet during the barrage.

Robles remains in Lancaster County Prison without bail due to being deemed a flight risk.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Joshua Whiteside filed the charges.

Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman will prosecute the case.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.