Springdale Township, Pennsylvania — A workplace disagreement at a Pennsylvania towing company turned deadly after an employee allegedly shot and killed his manager during an argument over a work assignment near the end of his shift.
Authorities say the confrontation happened at Oaks Auto & Truck Service and resulted in the death of a longtime manager who was attempting to assign another service call before the employee went home.
Argument Allegedly Started Over Additional Work Assignment
According to court documents, 32-year-old Niko Hostler and his manager, 53-year-old Christopher Ashbaugh, were working at the business on Wednesday when tensions escalated.
Investigators say Hostler’s shift was coming to an end, and he was preparing to leave for the day. However, Ashbaugh allegedly instructed him to take one more towing call before clocking out.
The request reportedly led to frustration and eventually a heated confrontation between the two men. Authorities said the argument quickly intensified into a physical altercation.
Suspect Claims He Feared for His Life
According to police, Hostler told investigators that Ashbaugh allegedly punched him in the face, pushed him and attempted to strike him again during the dispute.
Hostler claimed he became fearful during the confrontation.
Investigators said the defendant told them he was “in fear for his life” because he did not know whether his manager was carrying a weapon.
The suspect allegedly responded by pulling out a firearm and firing multiple shots.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene after reports of gunfire at the business.
Manager Dies After Shooting
Ashbaugh was transported to a nearby hospital following the shooting. Despite medical efforts, authorities said he later died from his injuries.
Police subsequently arrested Hostler and charged him with criminal homicide in connection with the deadly incident.
The case has shocked members of the local community, many of whom described the event as a tragic workplace dispute that escalated far beyond what anyone expected.
Witness Describes Hearing Gunfire
A nearby resident told local media she witnessed much of the confrontation unfold before the shooting. Amanda Mattern said she initially believed the men may have resolved their disagreement after a brief period of silence.
“I heard them not talk, so I thought maybe they resolved it, then I heard them again, arguing, yelling, and then I heard ‘pop pop pop pop’ like five times,” Mattern told a local news outlet.
She also recalled hearing the victim call out for help immediately afterward.
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“I heard the guy that he shot lying on the ground, ‘Help me, help me.'”
The witness account provides a chilling glimpse into the final moments before emergency crews arrived.
Suspect Remains Behind Bars
Following his arrest, Hostler was booked into the Allegheny County Jail, where he remains held without bail.
Court records show he appeared for a preliminary arraignment on Thursday.
A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for June 3, where prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence regarding the deadly confrontation.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue reviewing witness statements and evidence connected to the shooting.
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