Springfield man pleads not guilty; accused of pointing gun at Haitian man, kids

Court records: Blaney denied entering neighbors’ garage; Haitian family said they won’t let kids play outside, didn’t want man charged, fearing retaliation
The Clark County Municipal Courts Building in Springfield.  BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

The Clark County Municipal Courts Building in Springfield. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

A Springfield man faces multiple charges related to accusations that he entered his neighbors’ residence and pointed a handgun at them on Saturday.

According to court records, James Blaney, 43, of Springfield, allegedly entered his neighbors’ garage where their children were playing Saturday and pointed a gun at the man and his three children while shouting for them to “Shut up,” adding an expletive. A friend of the family who was in the attached house told police she witnessed this and she went to close the garage door, making Blaney exit quickly.

According to court records, the alleged victims, who are Haitian immigrants, did not want Blaney to be charged “in fear that there will be retaliation in the future.” They told police the children are not permitted to play outside, and instead are allowed to play in the garage or the house “due to fears of someone harming them.”

Blaney faces three first-degree felony aggravated burglary charges. He pleaded not guilty on all three counts Monday in Municipal Court.

According to court records, Blaney denied entering his neighbors’ garage. His wife said she had been home and did not see her husband leave the house. Officers noted in their report that they smelled alcohol on Blaney and his wife, and that they did not find a gun on the man but that he has a license for concealed carry.

The Clark County Prosecutor’s Office said Wednesday that it does not comment on cases pending investigation and indictment when questioned about whether the victims’ national origin played a role in the alleged crime.

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