A Connoquenessing Township man is accused of shooting target practice with an improper backstop after being told people were behind the target, according to state police.

Christopher J. Mascia, 47, was charged Monday, Nov. 9, with two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment following an Oct. 16 incident.

Police said they responded to a residence on Stardust Court in the township and spoke with two witnesses. The witnesses said Mascia had placed a target with an improper backstop on top of a burn pit. The bullets traveled further than the target into an area where two witnesses were working, police said.

The witnesses told police they yelled to Mascia they were there, but Mascia fired about 11 more rounds. Police said the witnesses could hear the rounds flying over their heads and striking nearby trees.

Police said Mascia admitted to shooting a .22 mm rifle.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 9 before District Judge Amy Marcinkiewicz.