A West Lampeter Township man charged with shooting a 17-year-old boy in the neck using a pepperball will have his case proceed to county court after waiving his preliminary hearing. 

Ryan David-Antonio Brown, 40, waived his preliminary hearing before Judge William Benner on Aug. 10on one count of aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault and one count each of endangering the welfare of children and possessing an instrument of crime.

Brown is accused of shooting and assaulting the victim at his residence in the 1700 block of Wiker Avenue the evening of July 12.

The victim told police he and Brown had been arguing inside the residence when Brown suddenly punched him in the head shortly before 11 p.m.

At one point during the argument Brown retrieved a pistol-style handgun that the victim believed was a real firearm and pointed it at him, he said. Brown fired the weapon at the victim’s neck, causing a pepperball to explode in his face. 

Police arrived at the residence to find the victim with numerous injuries to his face, including a large, visible welt on his neck and obvious irritation and swelling that gave him difficulty seeing and speaking. 

Brown remains in Lancaster County Prison in lieu of $50,000 bail.

West Lampeter Township Police Officer Evan Shubrooks filed the charges.

Assistant District Attorney Jessica Collo will prosecute the case.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.