Outside UPMC McKeesport hospital on Evans Street, more than a dozen officers stood around the emergency room entrance for hours before shutting down the street to transport Sluganskis body to the Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office in Pittsburghs Strip District. We have to go through basically his entire life.. Deonte Kidd is facing several charges in Kenneth Lennex's death, including abuse of a corpse, hindering apprehension/prosecution, destroying/concealing evidence and two conspiracy charges. Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source, Paula Reed Ward, Justin Vellucci And Julia Maruca, Details of McKeesport officer's fatal shooting emerge; man charged, McKeesport area churches host prayer services following officer's shooting death, Western Pennsylvania police officers killed in line of duty since 2008. Across Evans Street, as police lined up along both sides of the entrance to the emergency room, neighbors looked on from sidewalks, windows and doorways. Published February 9, 2023 at 6:05 PM EST. Following the death of Officer Sean Sluganski, Governor Josh Shapiro has ordered all U.S. and Pennsylvania flags at public buildings, facilities, and grounds throughout the commonwealth to fly at-half staff immediately in his honor. "To show our respect and support for Police Officer Sean Sluganski and his family, the McKeesport Area School District will operate on an asynchronous virtual learning day next Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Click here to read more. Sluganski was killed while Thomas was injured. A man is dead after a shooting in McKeesport. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Authorities responded to Versailles Avenue and Freemont Street at around 11:06 a.m. this morning for reports of a shooting in McKeesport and found a man who had been shot in the head. "It's an absolute nightmare," the mayor told reporters. Alfer said Monday night that Thomas had been discharged from the hospital and was recovering at home with family. Kearns said the suspect was wounded in an exchange of gunfire. Visitation for Sluganski is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, and a funeral is scheduled for Tuesday. The Allegheny County Sheriff's Office posted a statement on Facebook, saying McKeesport is in many ways the "heart" of the Mon Valley. Thirty-five-year-old Charles Thomas Jr. is recovering at home. Officer Thomas is at home recovering, and everyone we spoke with here in McKeesport says they cant wait to see him back out on the streets. The Twin Rivers school shared photos of the cards on Facebook. "Officer Charles Thomas, Jr., 35, was injured in the same incident today. He was taken into custody and transported to the hospital, where he remained until Thursday. A teddy bear addressed to the "McKeesport Police Family" sits along a fence. Jim Barry who runs LaRosa Youth Club said he has known Officer Thomas, or Officer Chuck as the kids call him, for many years. On Wednesday, the Tribune-Review reported that McKeesport police had been called to Morris home on Wilson Street to do a welfare check on Jan. 13 after they received a call from an Escambia County, Florida, sheriffs deputy. Morris mom, a fmr McKeesport officer, called police today saying her son was being aggressive & having a PTSD episode @KDKA pic.twitter.com/zpTwnXDsnf. If they need anything, they can reach out to us and let them know all of Bethel Park and Allegheny County is behind them," she said. / CBS Pittsburgh. He is a four-year member of the force. Hundreds of people have gathered for a candlelight vigil for fallen McKeesport Officer Sean Sluganski. It'll enter from the Mansfield Bridge and turn left onto West Fifth Avenue then right onto Walnut Street to Eden Park Boulevard and onto East Fifth Avenue. Officer Sean Sluganski died and Officer Charles Thomas was taken to the hospital seriously injured but is now in stable condition. Police and medics Assignments will be posted for students to complete," a Facebook post from the district said. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. At the McKeesport Police Department, two black wreaths hang in the doorway mourning the loss of one of their officers but also rallying and praying for another officer, Charles Thomas. "Any job you go into, there's a possibility.". The Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. 1 police officer dead, another injured after shooting in McKeesport, Hundreds gather at McKeesport vigil to honor Officer Sean Sluganski, Funeral arrangements announced for fallen McKeesport officer Sean Sluganski, Superintendent, former teacher remembers fallen McKeesport police officer, McKeesport mayor reacts to death of officer. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Everyone who isn't coming to participate is asked to stay home because there will be "extreme" traffic delays for hours. The suspect continued walking to the intersection of Versailles Avenue and Patterson Street, where he opened fire on a third officer. Dismissals will be on time, but the district said the dismissal pattern may be different because of closed roads. Wilson Avenue is quiet this Tuesday. He has now been charged. Pittsburgh police were responding to reports of an unresponsive man in an area on Herrod Street at Bond Street with they found the victim with a gunshot wound to the head. Officer killed, another injured and suspect shot in McKeesport, Officers to escort body of officer killed to medical examiner's office. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. More details can be found in the post below: Remembering Officer Sluganski.The FOP is setting up a fund for the fallen McKeesport Police officer Sean Sluganski. On Thursday afternoon, Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr., who was attending a police chiefs association meeting in Collier, said he was not aware of the incident in Florida or another from Sunday evening in which Morris was suspected of firing shots into a corner store just a few blocks from where Sluganski was killed. He is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, assaulting a law enforcement officer and criminal attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. The public is asked to line up at 2 p.m., and the mayor's spokesperson suggested lining up along Lysle Boulevard and Eden Park Boulevard. A man who had been shot was found dead in McKeesport early Friday evening, police confirmed. "While the investigation into this incident is still in the very early stages and ongoing, early reporting underscores the challenges and volatility we ask police to confront. February 28, 2023 / 1:34 PM Sources say a father called 911 after finding his son shot inside a home. McKeesport Police officer Sean Sluganski shot and killed in the line of duty, Man charged in shooting death of McKeesport police officer. A McKeesport police officer was killed, another was wounded and the suspected shooter was shot before being taken into custody early Monday afternoon in the Mon Valley city, officials said. His mother is also a former employee of the McKeesport Police Department. Those in attendance said they are praying for the families of both officers. Police Chief Adam Alfer identified the fallen officer as Sean Sluganski and the injured officer as Charles Thomas. The mass and burial will take place on Tuesday and won't be open to the public. Minerva Bakery made everything black and blue on Tuesday to support the police. The man accused of killing a McKeesport police officer and injuring another allegedly made a threatening phone call to an out-of-state bank about a month ago. A man accused of shooting two McKeesport police officers and killing one of them is now out of the hospital. We want each and every one of our officers to come home safely to their families every single day. Allegheny County Police said the suspect pulled out a handgun and opened fire. He spoke with officer Charles Thomas, who was also injured during the shooting. No one answered the door at Sluganskis McKeesport home on Monday night. "This is a tragic loss for our department and our community. May his memory be a blessing, and may this be a reminder of how the women and men of law enforcement put their lives on the line to serve their communities.". The department identified the other officer shot as Charles Thomas Jr., 35. The suspect, later identified as Johnathan Morris, walked from Wilson Avenue to Grandview Avenue, and Kearns said when the suspect encountered the officers, he pulled out a handgun and shot them. According to Allegheny County police, McKeesport officers responded to a disturbance complaint involving a domestic situation in the 1400 block of Wilson Street at approximately 12:11 pm. The procession will return from McKeesport the way it came. A day later and McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko is still processing the loss of Sluganksi. "The McKeesport Police Department is mourning the loss of Officer Sean Sluganski, 32, who died today in the line of duty. 4th and 5th grade afterschool students @ United made condolence cards for McKeesport officers and loved ones. The police officer "seriously injured" Monday in McKeesport was flown to UPMC Mercy Hospital, where sources tell KDKA-TV as many as 15 officers arrived to show support. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. Morris, an inventory management specialist, was promoted to sergeant in 2016 and left the Marines in December 2018. "To show McKeesport that I'm here to support them. Sluganski was a Baldwin High School alumnus, according to the Baldwin-Whitehall School District. Police arrived at the scene, according to the complaint, and the mother told officers her son fled the home. Prior to joining the McKeesport police, Sluganski also worked in Charleroi. Were going through his military background right now. They are heroes. The officer's family members are at the hospital. ", The McKeesport mayor's office released a statement confirming one officer was killed and another was "seriously wounded.". He said Thomas is always offering a helping hand, and if no one else shows up he can rely on Chuck to be there for the kids. The two plan to send care packages to both the Thomas and Slunganski families, and for now, continue to remember the good times. at 2 pm. The flags are to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on the day that Sluganski is laid to rest. The McKeesport police chief identified the two officers shot Monday. A McKeesport police officer was killed and another was wounded Monday afternoon when a man involved in a domestic dispute opened fire on the officers. Morris served in the military and suffered from PTSD, according to the criminal complaint. At last check, the officer was in stable condition. "I've got kids, I've got grandkids," Hudson said. Officer Sluganski was shot and killed in the line of duty on Monday afternoon in McKeesport while responding to a domestic incident. Updated on: February 17, 2023 / 11:18 PM The American flag outside the McKeesport Police Department are flying at half-staff in the wake of the shooting and killing of Officer Sean Sluganski. He joined McKeesports department in January 2020 and was promoted to a full-time officer in January 2021, the department said. The officer killed was identified by the McKeesport Police Department as Sean Sluganski, 32. Morris was also shot during Monday's incident in McKeesport. A McKeesport police officer was killed, another was wounded and the suspected shooter was shot before being taken into custody early Monday afternoon in The suspect, Johnathan Morris, was also injured in an exchange of gunfire with a third officer and was taken to the hospital. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. The shootings happened near St. Marys Cemetery and McKeesport Area Senior High School. Students and coaches from McKeesport and Elizabeth Forward met for a group photo while wearing McKeesport Police Strong shirts in honor of fallen Officer Sean Sluganski. "I want to offer my sincere condolences to the loved ones of Officer Sluganski, who died a hero bravely responding to an emergency call for help. His mother is also a former employee of the McKeesport Police Department. He made threats to a credit union over the phone (that) hes going to go on a killing spree, the dispatcher told officers. 2023 Cox Media Group. MCKEESPORT, Pa. (AP) A man having a mental health crisis shot and killed a police officer, wounded a second and fired at a third before being wounded in a shootout in a western Pennsylvania city on Monday, authorities said. Police activity in McKeesport sends two nearby schools into exterior lockdown Updated: 1:05 PM EST Mar 1, 2023 Infinite Scroll Enabled Show Transcript Police and 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WTAE-TV. He said he also saw police bring the suspect to the hospital. Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns speaks during a press conference about a shooting that killed one officer and left another injured in McKeesport on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Zappala said that neither Sluganski nor Thomas had drawn their weapons when they approached Morris on Monday. Community reacts to killing of McKeesport officer Sean Sluganski, Community mourning after shooting of 2 McKeesport officers, Latest on the fatal shooting of officer Sean Sluganski. Kearns said one officer, later identified as Sluganski, was shot and killed. Lori and I are praying for the family and loved ones of the McKeesport police officer who died in the line of duty today.May his memory be a blessing, and may this be a reminder of how the women and men of law enforcement put their lives on the line to serve their communities. Allegheny County police said around 5 p.m., officials were notified of a shooting on Jenny Lind Street. Morris mother, Candace Tyler, was a McKeesport police officer for 16 years until she was fired in 2021. Both Kidd and Powell are now in the Allegheny County Jail. TV Q&A: Is a Pittsburgher writing for CBSs East New York? At this point, Morris faces several charges including aggravated assault, assault of an officer and criminal homicide. She put signs up on the front door of the nearly 100-year-old bakery to say thanks. "They're here early in the morning to make sure we're getting into the building safely," said Erica Ashcroft. For all the latest updates on this developing story, clickhere. McKEESPORT, Pa. Two people are dead and two others are injured in two shooting scenes less than half a mile from each other in McKeesport. It is unclear what, if any, follow-up by the McKeesport police occurred. I know Gods protecting him and watching over him because I asked and I prayed, Rost said. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Sluganski, who attended California University of Pennsylvania, had a passion for narcotics work and was a good communicator. "Today that heart is broken by senseless violence and another stark example of the danger that our law enforcement officers face every day, on every shift and on every call," the sheriff's office said. Down the road, the owners of a local deli -said Officer Thomas always wears a smile and shared their support for the entire force. A SHORT TIME AGO, MORRIS WAS ALSO SHOT DURING MONDAYS INCIDENT IN MCKEESPORT. We have a suspect down. Visitation resumes for fallen McKeesport officer Sean Sluganski. He was known to McKeesport police. Jim Barry who runs LaRosa Youth Club said he has known Officer Thomas, or Officer Chuck as the kids call him, for many years. Officers were called to the scene in the 2000 block of Jenny He said domestic calls are unpredictable and have many variables for officers to respond to. A procession is taking the fallen officer from UPMC McKeesport to the medical examiner's office in the Strip District. Officials said they're still in the process of notifying families. Please enter valid email address to continue. According to Zappala, Morris was a legal gun owner, which meant he had no mental health history in Pennsylvania that would have prohibited him from owning a firearm. I know Gods protecting him and watching over him because I asked and I prayed, Rost said. Lennexwas found shot to deathin a area in Elliott on Jan. 26. The scene outside of UPMC McKeesport hospital after a McKeesport officer was killed and another officer was wounded along with the suspected shooter on Monday. 1 officer shot and killed, another injured in McKeesport. When asked if the suspect is being treated at the hospital, UPMC referred KDKA-TV's Meghan Schiller to McKeesport police. Although PTSD was mentioned in the initial 911 call from Morris mother to dispatchers, Zappala said that his military career did not involve combat. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. "It is definitely one of the most dangerous -- I would not say the most dangerous -- but it's definitely one of the most dangerous calls we get," Jackson Township Police Chief Terry Seilhamer said about domestic incidents. MCKEESPORT, Pa. At the McKeesport Police Department, two black wreaths hang in the doorway mourning the loss of one of their officers but also rallying and praying for another officer, Charles Thomas. MCKEESPORT (KDKA) - A man is in critical condition after he was shot in McKeesport. Officer Thomas has been discharged from the hospital and is at home recovering with his family. I try to pray every day and ask God for their protection, said Thomass neighbor Marjory Rost. It is not clear if there are any suspects or arrests. When officers got there, they found a suspect having a "mental health crisis," Kearns said. Sources told Target 11 Morris served in the Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. Johnathan Morris, the man accused of killing McKeesport police Officer Sean Sluganski, is placed in a police van outside UPMC Presbyterian hospital to be taken to the Allegheny County Jail for arraignment Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. pic.twitter.com/x8uMwgzhUu, Mike D. (@MikeJdiVittorio) February 6, 2023. / CBS Pittsburgh. 90.5 WESA. Officers arrived to find a teenager shot. According to military records obtained by the Trib, Morris enlisted in the Marine Corps in San Diego in 2011. He was flown to UPMC Mercy and was later released from the hospital. PTSD, mental health issues need to be addressed," neighbor Robin Lacey said. It's a stark contrast to one day ago when police officers swarmed the street. One person is dead and at least three others are injured in two shooting scenes less than half a mile from each other in McKeesport. I try to pray every day and ask God for their protection, said Thomass neighbor Marjory Rost. At 1:49 p.m., an officer said, Unable to make contact, and the call ended. One investigator Allegheny County dispatchers say police and medics were called to the 3100 block of Versailles Avenue shortly just after 12 p.m. on Wednesday. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by this horrific tragedy and to the McKeesport Police Department during this very difficult time.". Stay with KDKA-TV andKDKA.comfor updates to this developing story as they become available. However, they decided to approach him, I dont know what the details of what their ops were, but certainly the county police are looking into that.. Morris is still in the hospital after being shot multiple times in the legs during Mondays shooting, but he will eventually be taken to Allegheny County Jail. Thirty-two-year-old Sean Sluganski was killed. Jillian Forstadt. Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home at 4201 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 on Sunday, Feb. 12 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Monday, Feb. 13 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. THE VIGIL WAS A TRIBUTE TO. A police officer is seen on the phone along talking along Versailles Avenue on Monday following a shooting in McKeesport. ", Pittsburgh please join me in praying for the family of the McKeesport Police Officer taken from us, the Officer injured during the tragic incident, and the entire community of McKeesport. Thomas suffered a gunshot wound to the face and neck. "I'm afraid for them.". Morris is charged with criminal homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, and aggravated assault, according to the charging documents obtained by KDKA-TV. Officers Sean Sluganski and Charles Thomas were shot in McKeesport on Monday. His visitation is happening until 8 p.m. at the Slater Funeral Home in Brentwood. Down the road, the owners of a local deli -said Officer Thomas always wears a smile and shared their support for the entire force. According to archived dispatch radio traffic, McKeesport police were dispatched to Morris home at 1:37 p.m. I have an out-of-state police department requesting a welfare check at 1411 Wilson St. Harris said that a McKeesport officer did call to talk to him and reported they were unable to make contact with Morris. Obviously, its early in the investigation, he said. MCKEESPORT, Pa. (KDKA) One officer was killed, another was wounded and a suspect was shot in McKeesport on Monday afternoon. The second officer was critically wounded and flown to the hospital but is now in stable condition, Kearns said. The four-year officer of the department is at home recovering and doing well. I still have too many family members left here., McKeesport resident Jeff Anderson, however, added: Whats going on in this city is very, very sad and its getting worse.. February 28, 2023 / 1:34 PM / CBS Pittsburgh. !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(e){if(void 0!==e.data["datawrapper-height"]){var t=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var a in e.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r