Mr. Meyer was charged with homicide, terroristic threats, endangering the welfare of a child and other charges. He was not legally permitted to own a firearm because he had previously been committed to a mental institution, the affidavit said.

“Mr. Meyer’s reckless conduct, knowing that his daughter was standing behind him, triggered a chain of events that tragically led to the death of Ciara Meyer,” Mr. Bender said in a statement.

Mr. Meyer did not enter a plea at an arraignment on Thursday, according to Teresa Brush, an official with Mr. Bender’s office. A preliminary hearing on the charges will be scheduled, followed by a formal arraignment, she said.

In brief remarks to CBS 21, Mr. Meyer said after his arraignment: “They are responsible for the murder and the shooting of my daughter and me. And now it’s a big cover-up. They are charging me for a felony for protecting my family,” he said.

Investigators later found Mr. Meyer’s .223 rifle with a bullet in the chamber and loaded with an additional 30 rounds of ammunition, the affidavit said. Officers also found a cache of other loaded rifles and weapons in the kitchen and dining area, it said. Eight 30-round magazines were on a chair just inside the front door, the affidavit said.

Mr. Meyer’s lawyer, Barbara L. Wevodau, could not immediately be reached for comment.

There was no immediate comment from the Pennsylvania Constable Association or state troopers on how long Constable Steele had been in his job, or the type of training he had undergone. It was also unclear whether he was allowed to return to his regular duties.