Man charged with shooting, killing manager during shift at towing company in Springdale

SPRINGDALE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man is facing charges after police said he shot and killed his manager while working at a towing company in Springdale.

Friends of the manager are now remembering a man they say would give you the shirt off his back.

“To find out what happened, my heart dropped,” said Ron Yusko.

Yusko is talking about 53-year-old Christopher Ashbaugh, his former co-worker at Oaks Auto & Truck Service in Springdale Township. 

“Anytime you want to hear a joke, if you’re having a bad day, talk to Chris. He’s always bringing your spirits up,” Yusko said.

Niko Hostler, 32, is charged with Ashbaugh’s murder after an incident Wednesday.

Allegheny County Police said officers were called to the 200 block of School Street near Oaks Auto and Truck Service at 5:09 p.m.

According to the criminal complaint, Hostler was angry about being sent out on a tow call close to the end of his shift because he wanted to go home. He told police that he and his manager got into a fight over it.

“That’s a cheater’s way out, to have a fight over a tow. Come on, dude, seriously?” Yusko said.

Hostler reportedly told police that Ashbauhgh punched him in the face, pushed him, and then swung at him again. Hostler said he did not know if his boss had a knife or a gun, and that he was “in fear for his life” and pulled out a gun and fired it in self-defense.

Ashbaugh was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Yusko says his thoughts are with Ashbaugh’s family.

“He liked taking care of people. He’s a big provider for his family, and my heart goes out to them.”

Yusko says Ashbaugh was also a volunteer firefighter in Arnold.

Surveillance video obtained from the towing company shows the fight between Ashbaugh and Hostler. During the fight, Ashbaugh punched Hostler one time and attempted to do so a second time, according to police paperwork. The video shows Hostler then pulling out his gun and starting to shoot at Ashbaugh, and continuing to shoot after Ashbaugh fell to the ground.

Police said a total of 10 casings were recovered from the scene.

Hostler has been charged with criminal homicide and is currently in the Allegheny County Jail. He has been denied bail.

Channel 11 went to Oak’s Thursday seeking comment, but when the people inside saw us, they locked the front door. 

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