A Lititz man will spend 18 to 36 months in state prison and two years on probation after pleading guilty to breaking into a Millersville University fraternity home and firing a replica handgun in February.

Judge Margaret Miller sentenced Donovan Leigh Cruz, of the 200 block of South Spruce Street, as part of a negotiated guilty plea he submitted Thursday.

Cruz, 20, told the court he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident and that “I made a mistake and have to do the time.”

Judge Miller noted Cruz’ relatively young age and urged him to use his time in prison to become a better person. 

The fraternity was hosting a semi-closed party when Cruz broke into the residence in the first block of North Prince Street in Millersville in the early morning hours of Feb. 24 and was confronted by several people.

A fight ensued in which Cruz punched one person in the jaw and produced a realistic looking handgun, firing it twice toward the ceiling. Cruz then pointed the gun at the crowd as everyone began to flee.

Cruz also pistol whipped a person during the fight.

The weapon was a replica-type gun that fired blanks, though people present at the party believed Cruz was firing an authentic firearm.

Assistant District Attorney Mark Fetterman prosecuted the case.