District Justice Henry J. Russo, Hermitage, ran out of time to hear testimony in charges against three Warren, Ohio, men accused of being involved in a Feb. 19 drive-by shooting.

The preliminary hearings of Donnell T. "Deacon" Stubbs, 20, Brian E. Miller, 21, and Terrell A. "Styles" Myrick, 21, were scheduled for 2:30 p.m., but by 4 p.m. the defense attorneys were still talking with their clients and discussing possible deals with Assistant District Attorney Robert Kochems.

"With the nature of the charges, I let the defense attorneys have a little extra time than usual," Russo said.

Russo said he had somewhere to be by 5 p.m. and would not be able to hear the case.

"I can't get a hearing in in one hour," he said.

Kochems said he had seven witnesses and predicted the hearing would last 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Kochems asked for a continuance, which Russo granted over the objections of defense attorneys Ronald Amrhein, Daniel W. Davis and Charles G. Mickens.

The attorneys were to report Monday on whether they will be available to have the hearing at 1:30 p.m. March 15.

No matter when the new hearing is set, Russo asked the attorneys to be ready to go at the scheduled starting time.

"Let's try to get under way on time," he said. "Do your discussions ahead of time."

Stubbs was charged with two counts attempted homicide, four counts aggravated assault, five counts reckless endangerment and one count carrying a firearm without a license.

Myrick faces charges of two counts conspiracy to commit homicide, four counts conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, five counts conspiracy to commit reckless endangerment and one count carrying a firearm without a license.

Miller was charged with unlawful restraint and tampering with evidence.

Stubbs fired several shots at a car occupied by Dwayne M. Smith, 27, of 906 Hamilton Ave., Farrell, and Lamar Wilder, who is believed to live in Farrell, when their cars passed in the 200 block of Roemer Blvd., Farrell, police said.

Stubbs and Wilder argued over a girl just before the shooting in the 900 block of Negley St., Farrell, police said.

Smith was arrested Thursday on a detainer from Pennsylvania Probation and Parole. Kochems said Friday afternoon he didn't believe police had had a chance to try to interview him.

Wilder is still being sought for questioning, police said.

Miller was released after posting $25,000 bond. Stubbs and Myrick were returned to Mercer County Jail after failing to post reduced bond of $25,000 bond.