City worker arraigned on shooting charge

YOUNGSTOWN -- A city street department worker is accused of firing several shots at his son-in-law.

John Lard, 55, of Southern Boulevard, was arraigned Tuesday in municipal court on a felonious assault charge. Judge Robert P. Milich set bond at $25,000 and told him to have no contact with his son-in-law. Lard, also known as Pookie, is due back in court July 7 for a preliminary hearing.

On June 12, the son-in-law told police that he was attacked and beaten in the head with a brick by several in-laws at his brother-in-law's house on West Earle Avenue. The 33-year-old returned to his South Lakeview Avenue home after the fight and, as he approached the front door, several shots were fired at him by Lard, who then fled in a black Monte Carlo, according to reports.

It wasn't immediately clear how the pending charge will affect Lard's employment. Joseph Mastropietro, street department superintendent, could not be reached.