BATH

A Bath man was taken into custody after allegedly firing a handgun inside a residence during an altercation.

On Sunday, July 5, 2015 at about 10:04 p.m., Bath Police responded to the residence of 19 Crawford Drive in response to a complaint of a handgun being fired inside the residence during an argument, according to a a press release issued by Bath Police Lt. Robert Savary.

Officers found the resident, Henry Cygan, 71, outside on the front steps attempting to regain entry to the dwelling.  It was reported that Cygan was armed with a knife, however the firearm was inside the residence.

Cygan was immediately taken into custody.

An investigation revealed that Cygan and his wife had been arguing throughout the day, according to Savary. 

Cygan allegedly retrieved a 9 mm handgun from the bedroom and brought it into the living room area of the household where he discharged it through the glass of the front door.  

Savary said the gun was directed outside towards Crawford Drive as well as at a residence or residences across the street in the neighborhood.

Police said that, after discharging the weapon, Cygan apparently went outside to investigate if the bullet damaged his truck in the driveway, leaving the firearm inside.  At that time that the female complainant, on the phone with 911, locked the front door to the residence, keeping Cygan from reentering the house.  

Police said Cygan attempted to re gain access by using a knife to open the lock, at which point police arrived on-scene.

Cygan was arrested and charged with Reckless Conduct with a Firearm, A Class C criminal offense.  

The firearm was seized by the responding officers.

Cygan was not able to post bail in the amount of $500, which was set by a local bail commissioner.  Cygan was taken to Two Bridges Regional Jail.  He was given a court date of Sept. 15 at the New Meadows Court in West Bath.