A Lancaster man will spend up to nearly three decades in prison after pleading guilty to shooting another man during a street confrontation that left the victim with lasting injuries.
Lancaster, PA – A Lancaster city man was sentenced to 14 to 28 years in state prison after admitting he shot a man in the leg during a confrontation on a downtown street, leaving the victim with permanent injuries that continue to affect his daily life.
Key Points
- A Lancaster man received a 14 to 28 year prison sentence for a February 2024 shooting.
- The victim suffered a broken femur and permanent limp after being shot during a street scuffle.
- Surveillance footage and eyewitnesses captured the suspect fighting the victim before firing and fleeing.
Judge Dennis Reinaker handed down the sentence to Miguel Camacho Jr., 43, of the 800 block of Columbia Avenue on March 2. Camacho previously pleaded guilty in November to aggravated assault, possession of a prohibited firearm, and carrying a firearm without a license, all felony charges.
The shooting happened in February 2024 in the 400 block of South Duke Street. During the sentencing hearing, the 39-year-old victim appeared in court using a cane and described lasting pain in his feet and a permanent limp caused by the gunshot wound.
Surveillance video captured confrontation
According to prosecutors, the victim had been returning home after buying candy when Camacho approached him and initiated a confrontation. First Assistant District Attorney Travis Anderson said Camacho “set upon him” in what prosecutors described as an ambush.
During the altercation, Camacho fired a single shot as the victim attempted to run away. The bullet struck the victim in the leg, breaking his femur and causing extensive tissue damage. The injuries required surgery and ongoing rehabilitation.
Multiple witnesses saw the confrontation, and surveillance footage captured the fight before Camacho pulled out a firearm and fired the shot. Footage from the Lancaster Safety Coalition also recorded Camacho fleeing the scene on foot shortly afterward.
Judge questions decision to bring gun
During the hearing, the victim told the court he still does not understand why Camacho shot him.
“Whatever his motives,” Anderson said in court, “it was an entirely senseless act.”
Before sentencing, Camacho apologized to the victim but also told the court that “you know that you weren’t innocent.” He attempted to explain that his actions were impulsive and said he had not intended to cause trouble.
Judge Reinaker rejected that argument, questioning Camacho’s decision to escalate the confrontation by introducing a firearm.
“What were you thinking to bring a firearm into the mix?” Reinaker asked during the hearing, noting that Camacho was old enough to understand the consequences of his actions.
Court records show Camacho was not legally allowed to possess a firearm due to a prior felony drug conviction. He also did not have a valid license to carry the gun used in the shooting.
