LANCASTER, PA – A Lebanon County man charged with attempting to kill another man during a fight in Lancaster has waived his preliminary hearing, allowing the case to proceed to county court.
Rodrigo Valdez-Martinez, 24, of Millcreek Township, appeared before Judge Andrew LeFever on September 5 and waived his right to a preliminary hearing on multiple charges, including attempted criminal homicide, attempted aggravated assault, carrying a firearm without a license, receiving stolen property, and six counts of recklessly endangering another person.
The charges stem from a July 30 incident during the early morning hours in the 200 block of East Walnut Street. According to investigators, Valdez-Martinez pulled a handgun from his vehicle’s center console and fired multiple rounds into the air while driving near the 600 block of East Ross Street. He then allegedly got into a confrontation with the victim, during which he attempted to shoot him after recovering the weapon during a fight in the backyard of a residence.
Prosecutors say the firearm had been emptied by the victim before Valdez-Martinez pulled the trigger. An eyewitness told police she heard the gun click as Valdez-Martinez pointed it at the victim and pulled the trigger with no rounds remaining.
Officers located Valdez-Martinez at the scene arguing with several individuals. The firearm was recovered and later confirmed to be stolen. Police also found a spent round at the Walnut Street residence and five more at the earlier Ross Street location.
Valdez-Martinez remains held without bail after Judge LeFever denied a request for release, citing public safety concerns. Assistant District Attorney Jeniffer Ponessa, who is prosecuting the case, stated in court that Valdez-Martinez posed a continuing threat and raised concerns about possible retaliation against the victim and his family.
The case is being prosecuted by the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office. Officer Hannah Neidermyer of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police filed the charges.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
