Homeowner Shot And Killed By Police Responding To Burglary
LARIMER (KDKA) -- A man was killed in a police-involved shooting in Larimer early Sunday morning.
The Allegheny County coroner's office identifies the victim as 57-year-old Christopher Thompkins, of Larimer.
The incident happened in the 100-block of Finley Street just before 4 a.m.
Thompkins' ex-wife Brenda Richmond told police the two woke up to a black male, later identified as Juan Jeter-Clark, standing over their bed.
Richmond said Thompkins told her to give him her gun and call police, which she did. They watched Jeter-Clark enter different rooms on the second floor before heading downstairs.
Thompkins then turned to Richmond and said "My mother's downstairs," before going after the man.
Richmond told police she heard gunfire and went to hide on the roof.
Officers soon arrived at the Thompkins' house for a report of a burglary in process.
Christine D'Antonio's Report:
Police say while officers were attempting to gain entry into the home, a black male coming down the steps of the home began firing shots in the direction of officers who were on the front porch.
Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene at 4:08 a.m.
Police say the staircase that Thompkins was traveling down was straight ahead and slightly to the left of the entrance.
Juan Jeter-Clark, was taken into custody and has been charged with criminal trespass.
According to police, the two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
"No cop goes out there wanting to shoot and kill somebody. Nor do we want our officers shot and killed," said Independent Civilian Police Review Board Ex-Director Elizabeth C. Pittinger. "First and foremost they have the right to protect themselves like everyone else."
An investigation is ongoing with oversight of the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office.
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