Share

Suspect captured in shooting of Western Pa. police officer

This undated photo provided by the Pennsylvania State Police shows…

Advertisement

31, of New Florence, shot St. Clair Township police Officer Lloyd Reed, 54, about midnight during a confrontation late Saturday in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania State Police said.

Mr. Shelter was captured at about 3:15 a.m. on Sunday while walking near a power plant outside New Florence, about 60 miles east of Pittsburgh. A Memorial Service will also be held Friday morning at 11 AM at the Cambria County War Memorial. Mr. Shetler was at the hospital Sunday under state police guard while being treated for a gunshot wound to the shoulder sustained during the exchange of gunshots with police.

He was arrested without incident.

GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — Police say the man suspected of fatally shooting a western Pennsylvania police officer refused to drop his weapon, but it’s unclear if he or the officer fired first.

Limani said police don’t know whether Shetler aimed the gun at the officer. He told police he lost the rifle while swimming across the Conemaugh River while on the run, according to the complaint. Killing a law enforcement officer is an aggravating circumstance that would support execution if Shetler were convicted of first-degree murder, the most serious charge he faces under the umbrella homicide count.

Shetler’s aunt, Wendy Kenley of New Florence, told the newspaper she went to the woman’s home as soon as she heard about the shooting.

Reed worked at the St. Clair department – which employs all part-time officers – for about five years. Mr. Shetler yelled back, she told police, and stepped toward the officer, gun in hand.

Advertisement

Porter, 51, said she is trying to find out more details surrounding the shooting.

Police officer shot, killed during call; suspect arrested