12-year-old girl shot & killed by Pennsylvania state constable during apartment eviction

DUNCANNON, Pennsylvania -- A 12-year-old girl was shot and killed by a Pennsylvania state constable during an apartment eviction on Monday, January 11th, WPMT is reporting.

According to WPMT, the girl was standing behind her 57-year-old father, Donald Meyer, when the constable shot Meyer in the arm. The bullet passed through Meyer's arm and struck 12-year-old Ciara Meyer.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. Family members said Ciara Meyer had stayed home from school on Monday because she was sick.

A constable is an officer empowered to carry out the business of the statewide district court system, by serving warrants of arrest, mental health warrants, transporting prisoners, service of summons, complaints and subpoenas, and enforcing protection from abuse orders as well as orders of eviction and judgement levies. Constables are also charged with maintaining order at the election polls and ensuring that no qualified elector is obstructed from voting. Constables are the only law enforcement officials permitted at the polls on election day.

According to WPMT, Pennsylvania State Constable Clarke Steele was at the apartment complex where the shooting happened on Monday with an eviction order for Meyer and his family. Police tell WHTM Donald Meyer opened the door and then shut it -- before reopening the door and exchanging words with the constable, before aiming a loaded .233 caliber rifle at the constable.

Police say Steele fired one shot with his service weapon -- as Meyer had the rifle pointed at the constable's chest.

Donald Meyer was flown the hospital after the shooting.

Police tell WPMT Donald Meyer's rifle had a round in the chamber, and a magazine with 30 rounds. He is facing several charges in this case. He is being held in jail without bail.

Steele has decided to suspend his work as a constable until the investigation into this fatal shooting is complete.