WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA- A man was fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement at a motel in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday. The incident occurred at the Huntingdon Inn Motel in the early afternoon when officers were executing a warrant. The suspect then engaged in a shootout with the police, ultimately leading to his death.
The investigation into the incident is being conducted by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office. While they have confirmed the shooting, the specific law enforcement agencies involved in the incident have not been disclosed. They have, however, assured that no officers were injured during the confrontation.
The authorities have also stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, police swiftly evacuated the surrounding area and temporarily closed both directions of Route 30.
The nearby Norwin School District took precautionary measures in response to the incident. Stewartsville Elementary School was put on a modified lockdown shortly after 2 p.m. due to what was described as a “community threat.” The high school also postponed afternoon dismissal for safety reasons.
North Huntingdon Township officials took to social media to urge the public to steer clear of the area around Route 30 and Carpenter Lane in Stewartsville. Once the area was deemed safe, the roads were reopened, and the lockdown at Norwin Schools was lifted.
Local resident Dan Cardiff, who was evacuated from a nearby barber shop, recounted the intense scene. He described a heavy police presence, including numerous patrol cars and a SWAT team. Cardiff also recalled the smell of gunpowder in the air during the exchange of gunfire.
The identity of the deceased suspect has not been disclosed. The Westmoreland County coroner is conducting an investigation into the cause and manner of death. The district attorney’s office will review the evidence to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified.