Duquesne police officer shot in foot, suspect shot in leg during exchange of gunfire
DUQUESNE, Pa. (KDKA) — A Duquesne police officer is recovering in the hospital after being shot in the foot while responding to a call.
Investigators said it was around 12:10 a.m. Wednesday when police were called to Catherine and Savey streets for shots fired. Officers say 28-year-old Shyheim Berry shot at an Uber driver. Once officers found him, a shootout ensued.
"I heard pow, pow, pow, pow, pow. Five times. I realized it was loud gunshots," neighbor Liliya Agafonova said.
The 29-year-old Duquesne officer was shot in the foot and Berry was shot in the leg. Additional police responded after Berry allegedly barricaded himself in a vacant home. Both the officer and Berry were taken to hospitals for their injuries in stable condition.
"The whole street was covered in police and ambulance," Agafonova said.
This was the fifth officer shot in Allegheny County this year. Two officers have been killed. Police unions like the State Troopers Association said violence against police, as well as pursuits, have been up.
"We are certainly seeing a rise in people fleeing from the police, thinking it's OK to commit whatever crime they commit as long as they get away," association president David Kennedy said.
Kennedy said it is becoming harder to find people who want to stay or join the force.
"It's a numbers game. The bad guys know they can take their shot and get away with it," Kennedy said.
Investigators said Berry is at the hospital under police guard. Once he's out he will go to the Allegheny County Jail.
Berry faces several charges, including aggravated assault and criminal attempt homicide of an officer. He will have a preliminary arraignment when he goes to jail.
Allegheny County police homicide detectives are investigating and anyone with information is being asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-255-8477.