Rochester man accused of shooting teen pleads not guilty

[anvplayer video=”5136321″ station=”998128″]

(ABC 6 News) – A Rochester man accused of shooting a teen in March has entered a not guilty plea.

Steven Allen Hart, 66, pleaded not guilty in Olmsted County District Court to first-degree assault and second-degree assault.

According to the documents, the 15-year-old victim and three other teenagers had vandalized a bus stop near the old Kmart building.

The group ran from the area and had run through a backyard where Steven Hart confronted the group. The 15-year-old took out a pocketknife and Hart said he was going to shoot him and fired his weapon, according to the documents.

Hart then called 911 and reported the shooting. According to police, Hart has a permit to carry a firearm.

A jury trial for Hart is scheduled for February 27, 2023.