One cop killed by man in ‘mental health crisis’, another injured

Authorities said a man with a “mental health crisis” shot and killed a police officer, wounded a second and shot a third before being wounded in a shootout in the western Pennsylvania town on Monday.

Two police officers were sent shortly after noon to respond to a domestic disturbance in McKeesport, about 12 miles south of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns said at a news conference.

Officers tried to talk to the man, but he left the house and a family member warned the officers that he might be armed, Kearns said.

Officers confronted him nearby and he “suddenly pulled out a gun and fired at two McKeesport officers,” Kearns said.

One officer was taken to a hospital in McKeesport where he was pronounced dead.

McKeesport Police Chief Adam Alfer said in a statement that he is 32-year-old Sean Slugansky, who spent two years in the department full-time.

The second officer, 35-year-old Charles Thomas Jr., was taken to a Pittsburgh trauma center.

Thomas, who worked for the police for four years, was discharged by Monday evening and returned home recuperating with his family, Alfer said.

Kearns said the suspect was shot as he came around a corner and fired at a third officer, who returned fire.

The suspect was later registered in stable condition at the Pittsburgh Trauma Center.

The McKeesport County School District said all schools and buildings are temporarily closed. external insulation due to police activity nearby.

Police said charges are being prepared against a suspect known to McKeesport police.

“They’ve dealt with him in the past,” Kearns said.

The mayor’s office asked people not to forget about this department and to respect the privacy of families “during this tragic and traumatic time.”

Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge president Joseph Regan said the officers “left their homes knowing it was their duty to protect and serve McKeesport no matter the outcome.

“Today they made the sacrifices we hoped and prayed that they would never have to go. They are heroes,” Regan said.

About a month ago, a police chief was killed and two officers wounded in the Allegheny County area northeast of Pittsburgh.

The suspect was later shot to death in Pittsburgh after the accident. stolen car and a shootout with police, authorities said.

The Western Journal reviewed this Associated Press article and may have revised it prior to publication to meet our editorial standards.