15-year-old arrested in connection to Kennywood shooting
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. (KDKA) - A 15-year-old boy was charged in connection with a shooting at Kennywood in September, police said Thursday.
Police announced the arrest of 15-year-old Darryl Pirl in connection to the shooting. Investigators said Pirl was grazed in the thigh during the shooting and was initially seen by first responders before he ran away.
Police said when he later showed up at the McKeesport Hospital for treatment, there were gunshot holes in his shirt but no wounds to his upper body. That indicated to investigators Pirl had shot a gun from underneath his shirt. Gunpowder residue was also found on those clothes and on his hands.
Pirl is being charged as an adult and is facing charges of aggravated assault, firearms violations and recklessly endangering another person.
Police said they're searching for a second suspect, saying two guns were used in the shooting.
Another teenager and a man were also injured in the shooting during Phantom Fall Fest on Sept. 24.
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Just two days later, police said a gun recovered in the shooting had been stolen from Ohio.
Detectives believe a feud between two groups of teens from different parts of the area is what ultimately sparked the gunfire.
"We're not sure what the feud is," said Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns. "During the shooting's investigation, continued information that was received by detectives and information we received from individuals that came forward with information that this is an ongoing feud between teenagers from the Homestead area and teenagers from the Duquesne area."
Meanwhile, the park announced new safety measures in response to the shooting including increased police support, perimeter enhancements, chaperone policy updates, park entrance policies, a new bag policy and limiting facial coverings.
