This photo taken May 22, 2013, shows Rockne Newell talking about his trials and tribulations with Ross Township, Pa., over junk on his property. State police identified 59-year-old Newell as the suspect in a shooting Monday in which three people were killed and at least two others injured in Ross Township. . (AP Photo/Pocono Record, Keith R. Stevenson)

By JOANN LOVIGLIO

Associated Press

and MICHAEL RUBINKAM

Associated Press

SAYLORSBURG, Pa. - A coroner says a man charged with fatally shooting three people during a municipal meeting in northeastern Pennsylvania was about to shoot more people when he was wrestled to the ground.

State police say about 15 to 18 residents and town officials were at the Ross Township meeting Monday night when the gunfire erupted.

Authorities say the gunman, 59-year-old Rockne Newell, was tackled to the ground by two people and was shot with his own gun. He was treated at a hospital for a gunshot wound to the leg and was arraigned Tuesday on homicide charges and other counts.

Monroe County Coroner Bob Allen says Newell was armed with a .44 Magnum handgun and was about to shoot six more people when two people wrestled him to the ground.

Officials say Newell was in a dispute with the township over dilapidated property.