Police: Man Shoots And Kills Parents, Then Fires Shots At Officers After Calling 911
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
MT. LEBANON (KDKA) -- A 25-year-old man and his parents are dead, plus two police officers were injured during a chaotic scene and chase in the South Hills overnight.
According to Mt. Lebanon Police, the man allegedly shot and killed his parents during a fight at their home on Gilkeson Road. He then called 911 just after midnight saying he wanted to turn himself in. However, once police arrived, the man opened fire on the officers.
"Officers formulated a plan, at that point the individual subsequently engaged in gunfire with officers on the scene. While on the scene, there were multiple officers engaged," said Mt. Lebanon Deputy Police Chief Jason Haberman.
WATCH: Neighbors Describe Shooting
Dormont Officer Rob Barnes, an eight-year veteran with the department, was injured in the shootout. Police say he was shot in the chest but was wearing a bulletproof vest. He was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital where he was treated and released. He's expected to fully recover.
Another officer from the Mt. Lebanon Police Department was also hurt. He was also treated and released from the hospital.
During the shootout, investigators say the suspect got into a vehicle and took off heading toward Upper St. Clair. Bethel Park Police Chief Timothy O'Connor was the first to spot the vehicle after waking up around midnight and getting in his cruiser.
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"On North Highland Avenue Business District, I found a black Volkswagen that was backed in with its light off in the parking lot of a restaurant," O'Connor said.
Chief O'Connor attempted to contain the car and the young suspect inside.
"The vehicle then started toward myself and towards the road, and I attempted to block him with my vehicle. We collided. He then went around me onto North Highland," the chief said.
O'Connor wheeled around and gave chase through the Business District and down Route 19.
"He accelerated at a high rate of speed. I pursued him through Bethel Park, A short distance through Bethel Park and into Upper St. Clair Township," Chief O'Connor said.
It was in Upper St. Clair where the suspect crashed his vehicle near McLaughlin Run Road. His vehicle flipped and landed on its roof.
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Allegheny County Police say officers found the suspect dead with a single gunshot wound to the head. They say it's believed to be self-inflicted.
His 65-year-old father and 59-year-old mother were found dead in the home on Gilkeson Road.
Christian Dryden, who lives next door, said the 59-year-old mother would always bake treats for the Greek Festival at the church down the street.
"You don't expect it to happen that close and not in Mt. Lebanon, it's just shocking," said Dryden.
"None of us remember them having any fights or harsh words and neither the son, that's why this was so weird. He was hard-working, did a lot of car work, yard work, gardening and took care of his dad," Dryden added.
Police have said they are familiar with the suspect, a 25-year-old male, saying they've been to his home in the past.
Allegheny County Police will be handling the investigation of this incident.
They are urging anyone with information on the case or suspect to call the Allegheny County Police Tipline at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (1-833-255-8477).