Suspect In Stanton Heights Shootout Ordered To Stand Trial
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Appearing in a wheelchair, a man injured during a shootout with a Pittsburgh police officer was in court on Tuesday for a hearing.
Tiant Mitchell was ordered to stand trial on charges including attempted homicide on a police officer in connection with a shootout with Pittsburgh Police last month.
Mitchell appeared at his preliminary hearing wheelchair-bound after authorities say he exchanged gunfire with Officer Andrew Baker, who was shot in the chest but was saved by his bullet-resistant vest.
Mitchell's wife, Shawnece Moore, testified that Mitchell was acting strangely because of a combination of alcohol consumption and mental health issues. He eventually fired shots in the air outside their Stanton Heights home, and told her in effect he wanted to commit suicide by cop.
Officer Baker testified after the shootout Mitchell told him, "just shoot me in the head."
Shawnece Moore testified that it was gunfire from police that injured her hand.
After the hearing, Officer Baker's sister, Cristyn Zett, who is also a police officer, told reporters her brother is doing as well as can be expected.
"In times like these, we all think about other law enforcement families who have had to endure worse," Zett said.
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Officer Saved By Bullet Proof Vest In Stanton Heights (10/12/12)
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