Pocono News Section

People React to Deadly Restaurant Shooting in Bloomsburg

People React to Deadly Restaurant Shooting in Bloomsburg - Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 4:33PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Saturday, May 23, 2009 @ 04:33pm EST

COLUMBIA COUNTY -- People in the Bloomsburg area are still coming to terms after a murder-suicide leaves two men dead. Eyewitness News was the first to tell you about the deadly shooting at a restaurant.

Paul Boone of Fishing Creek Township finds it hard to believe his neighbor, Tom Yurko, shot and killed Mark Wagner, then himself.

"It was a shock. It really was," said Boone. "It's a tragedy for our community and where we live here on Meadow Lane."

Police say Yurko walked into Applebee's on Route 11 in Bloomsburg around 4:30 on Friday. Witnesses say Yurko pulled out a gun and shot Wagner multiple times.

"Not in my dreams would I think somebody would do that," commented Greg Keszkowski of Millville, who was in Bloomsburg Saturday. "Who would think in the little town of Bloomsburg somebody would do this? I'm shocked."

Court records show Yurko was charged with aggravated assault in 2005 but pled guilty to lesser charges.

But Boone says he only knew Yurko as a helpful neighbor.

"I had trees in my yard that needed pulled and Tom came over and did it for nothing," said Boone.

Family and friends gathered at Wagner's house in Bloomsburg. One of them told Eyewitness News he knows both Yurko and Wagner, but the victim's family had no comment.

"I feel sorry for Tom and his family and the victim and his family," added Boone. "My condolences go out to both of them."

Crews spent Saturday cleaning the restaurant. Applebee's released a statement, saying: "Our hearts go out to the victims and their families... As this is an ongoing police investigation, we are unable to provide any further comment."

Applebee's also tells us their primary concern is their employees. They tell us several witnessed Friday's deadly shooting, and they're providing counseling to those who need it. The regional manager for Applebee's says they plan on re-opening some time Saturday night if the employees feel up to it. He adds they'll definitely be open on Sunday.