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. PTSD usually is something that develops when youre in firefights, and I dont know that that ever happened.. McKeesport Police Officer Sean Sluganski, 32,shot to death in the line of duty.Fellow Officer Charles Thomas also shot police say by Johnathan Morris. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Morris is charged with homicide, attempted homicide, aggravated assault, assault of a law enforcement officer and related charges stemming from the shooting on Grandview Avenue on Monday afternoon. We are there for them as much as they are there for us, Jan Kugler, said. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. The other officer, identified later as Thomas, was critically wounded and flown to a Pittsburgh-area trauma center. Patterson (Street) at Versailles (Avenue)., During a press briefing late Monday afternoon, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said, Please keep the family in your prayers, (along with) our police officers, and just pray for our whole city.. Morris served in the military and suffered from PTSD, according to the criminal complaint. By using this website, you accept the terms of our Visitor Agreement and Privacy Policy, and understand your options regarding Ad Choices. A community continues to grieve after the shooting of two McKeesport officers. Police said they were familiar with him. Chuck was in here all the time, its just so devastating, said owner Rick Kugler. ", 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. Minerva Bakery made everything black and blue on Tuesday to support the police. 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. The shootings happened near St. Marys Cemetery and McKeesport Area Senior High School. 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.". Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle has learned new details from sources about the suspect, Johnathan Morris. "McKeesport is just in trouble," Hudson said. / CBS Pittsburgh. The Fraternal Order of the Police is setting up a fund for Sean Sluganski at the ParkView Community Federal Credit Union in McKeesport. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 1 police officer killed, another injured in McKeesport shooting. Published February 9, 2023 at 6:05 PM EST. Prayer service for peace held in McKeesport. A procession is taking the fallen officer from UPMC McKeesport to the medical examiner's office in the Strip District. February 28, 2023 / 1:34 PM Both Kidd and Powell are now in the Allegheny County Jail. He made multiple threats to go on a shooting spree, or killing spree, at multiple branches, Harris said. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. I do have a phone number for the Black male and for the police deputy, as well, the dispatcher answered. "We're all females and we're coming in by ourselves and they do the best that they can for us, so we'd like to show our support back to them," she said. Johnathan Morris, 32, who has been charged in connection with the shooting of two police officers in McKeesport, was released from the hospital on Thursday morning. PHOTOS: Police respond "I saw something I didn't need to see, and I wish I hadn't seen. He returned fire, shooting Morris in the leg. 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. Sluganski was killed and Thomas was injured. "To show McKeesport that I'm here to support them. A McKeesport police officer was killed, another was wounded and the suspected shooter was shot before being taken into custody early Monday afternoon in @KDKA pic.twitter.com/Nr4FUMImGT. One of the officers was fatally wounded. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. 4th and 5th grade afterschool students @ United made condolence cards for McKeesport officers and loved ones. A procession on Tuesday afternoon escorted fallen McKeesport Officer Sean Sluganski back to McKeesport for his funeral. He is a four-year member of the force. The flags are to be lowered to half-staff until sunset on the day that Sluganski is laid to rest. She gave her video to the police for their investigation. According to police, it was just after 5:25 Sunday morning when McKeesport Police learned of a shooting. HAPPENING NOW | Jonathan Morris is being transferred from the hospital to the Allegheny County Jail. Allegheny County police said around 5 p.m., officials were notified of a shooting on Jenny Lind Street. The suspect, Phillip Payne, is accused of shooting Dontae McKenith, 18, at a residence in the 1200 block of Soles Street around 2 a.m. Saturday, county homicide detectives said. He is always looking to help other people out especially children, and he makes a difference in a lot of kids lives in this community, said Barry. UPMC McKeesport is on lockdown after the shooting. | Watch WPXI NOW, 'It's just devastating': Community supporting McKeesport police after 2 officers shot, 1 killed. The Allegheny County Sheriff's Office posted a statement on Facebook, saying McKeesport is in many ways the "heart" of the Mon Valley. The suspect, Johnathan Morris, was also injured in an exchange of gunfire with a third officer and was taken to the hospital. This content is imported from Twitter. Obviously, its early in the investigation, he said. "He's a kind guy, he's everybody's friend," she said. Nearly 100 people attended the event, which was put on to "support the McKeesport community.". "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. The McKeesport police chief identified the fallen officer as Sean Sluganski and the injured officer as Charles Thomas, who has been released from the hospital. 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. It completed the circle of where it should have been.. / CBS Pittsburgh. There is no such thing as a typical call in today's world. More here https://t.co/zfx8XGp3rv pic.twitter.com/gIvxZmelQZ. Dismissals will be on time, but the district said the dismissal pattern may be different because of closed roads. Police and medics He spent more than seven years in the service, including a three-month stint in Afghanistan in 2013. Vento's Pizza, home of 'Franco's Italian Army,' to close, Western Pennsylvania's trusted news source. Suspect in McKeesport police shooting threatened to go on 'killing spree' weeks earlier, officials say The Waterfront institutes curfew, youth supervision policy 2023 TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. MEANTIME, OFFICER TRAUMA THOMAS WAS PRESENT LAST NIGHT AT A VIGIL FOR OFFICER SLUGANSKI. Morris, 31, was taken to the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh just before noon and arraigned a short time later by District Judge Jehosha Wright, who denied bond. / CBS Pittsburgh. Johnathan Morris has been charged in connection with the shooting of two police officers in McKeesport. The statement posted to Facebook said the officer was killed in the line of duty while responding to a reported domestic incident. The man accused of killing a McKeesport police officer and wounding another Monday afternoon was said to be experiencing PTSD and told witnesses just moments A criminal complaint shows that he faces charges including homicide and aggravated assault. 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. "As a reminder, there is a scheduled asynchronous virtual learning day for Monday, February 13, 2023. The hearse is lead by a fire truck and surrounded by other police officers. 2023 Trib Total Media | All Rights Reserved. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Stay with KDKA-TV andKDKA.comfor updates to this developing story as they become available. Deputy Thomas Harris told the Trib on Thursday that he was working off-duty at the Navy Federal Credit Union in Pensacola when he was contacted by security personnel there about 12:10 p.m. At least one person was killed and two others were injured in a shooting early Wednesday afternoon in McKeesports Crawford Village, according to an Allegheny #TogetherWeCan, The cards featured messages like "Thank you so much for being so heroic." His numbers in the call.. TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox. We have lost a friend, a trusted colleague and an officer whose passion was providing service to the public. He's in the hospital in stable condition. "Operating on an asynchronous virtual day allows our community to pay their respects. This is a tragic loss for our department and our community. 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. Kearns said the suspect was wounded in an exchange of gunfire. February 28, 2023 / 1:34 PM / CBS Pittsburgh. "I'm afraid for them.". 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.. Target 11 has also learned Morris mother filed a wrongful termination suit against the City of McKeesport, claiming racial and gender discrimination after she was fired. When officers got there, they found a suspect having a "mental health crisis," Kearns said. 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. Although PTSD was mentioned in the initial 911 call from Morris mother to dispatchers, Zappala said that his military career did not involve combat. February 28, 2023 / 1:34 PM / CBS Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey is calling for prayers after a shooting in McKeesport killed one police officer and injured another. Kearns said he was taken to UPMC but doctors couldn't save his life. 90.5 WESA. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Target 11 Investigator Rick Earle has learned new details from sources about the suspect, Johnathan Morris. 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. We have to go through basically his entire life.. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. A man has been accused in connection with the death of one police officer and the injury of another following a shooting in McKeesport on Monday. Chuck was in here all the time, its just so devastating, said owner Rick Kugler. Alfer said Monday night that Thomas had been discharged from the hospital and was recovering at home with family. A man who had been shot was found dead in McKeesport early Friday evening, police confirmed. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Officers requesting a call back. At this point, Morris faces several charges including aggravated assault, assault of an officer and criminal homicide. Both teams, along with some of the coaches, met for a group photo while wearing the t-shirts. at 2 pm. I try to pray every day and ask God for their protection, said Thomass neighbor Marjory Rost. Evidence markers near a Versailles Borough police vehicle following a shooting in McKeesport on Monday. First published on February 28, 2023 / 1:34 PM. A police officer is seen on the phone along talking along Versailles Avenue on Monday following a shooting in McKeesport. 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. I know Gods protecting him and watching over him because I asked and I prayed, Rost said. A SHORT TIME AGO, MORRIS WAS ALSO SHOT DURING MONDAYS INCIDENT IN MCKEESPORT. Morris was also shot during Monday's incident in McKeesport. Police have arrested a second man in connection with a male found fatally shot in Elliott on 1/26/23.Deonte Kidd, 28, faces multiple charges including hindering apprehension, destroying evidence, abuse of a corpse, and conspiracy. She said she is sick of the gun violence. Earle went through court documents, and Morris does not appear to have any prior criminal record or civil cases in Pennsylvania. "Officer Charles Thomas, Jr., 35, was injured in the same incident today. When officers got there, they found a suspect having a "mental health crisis," Kearns said. Alfer said Thomas has been released from the hospital. 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. Prior to joining the McKeesport police, Sluganski also worked in Charleroi. The complaint says Morris then ran to the parking lot of the Uni-Mart on Versailles Avenue and told two people that he had been shot. 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 middle schooler in Florida is making it his duty to honor and share the legacy of fallen first responders, including Sean Sluganski. According to the deputy, Morris, a former U.S. marine, had been on the phone with the credit union. Police agencies across the area, including county police and the county sheriff's department, are filling patrols in McKeesport to allow officers to mourn the loss of their fellow officer. Jillian Forstadt. But its home, so thats why I havent left. Jordan McCallister, who also lives nearby, said he looked out his front door to watch police cars and motorcycles shutting down the street. (WPXI) McKEESPORT At least one person has been taken to a hospital after an incident in McKeesport. Morris fired at a third officer, who returned fire and wounded Morris. He said domestic calls are unpredictable and have many variables for officers to respond to. Hudson told KDKA-TV that she knew the man and he does not bother anyone. Today, they made sacrifices we hoped and prayed they would never need to make. Morris served in the military and suffered from PTSD, according to the criminal complaint. On hand to watch Morris as he was moved from the hospital to the jail were two supervisors from the McKeesport Police Department. Police officers stand outside UPMC McKeesport on Feb. 6, 2023. The deputy contacted Allegheny County dispatchers and asked that McKeesport follow up with Morris to check on his well-being and check on the validity of his statements, which, unfortunately, came true, Harris said. He was flown to UPMC Mercy and was later released from the hospital. 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. A military spokesman said discharge information for service members was confidential. More than three minutes after the initial call, an officer reports that 13 more rounds just went off., The other rounds were from (another officers call number). "But as with all of our officers, you can imagine him, who was there, shot as well with officer Sluganksi," Mayor Cherepko said. McKeesport police Chief Adam Alfer reacts Monday during a press conference about a shooting that killed one of his officers and left another injured in McKeesport. There is no timeline on how long they will patrol, but it is expected it will be at least through the funeral. Anyone with information can call the police at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. One of the officers was fatally wounded. The injured officer has been identified as Chuck Thomas. Police said they were familiar with him. Down the street at Sable Kennels, the women there work closely with McKeesport police on animal calls. Taylor Spirito. Sources told Target 11 Morris served in the Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. 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. TURNING BACK TO MORE BREAKING NEWS, THOUGH, WE BROUGHT YOU THIS AT THE TOP OF THE HOUR. 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. Court papers said when officers found Morris on Grandview Avenue, he shot Sluganski and Thomas. "Unfortunately, something like this may have been avoided. Police say that 32-year-old Johnathan Morris is facing charges of criminal homicide and other offenses related to the deadly shooting. The second officer was critically wounded and flown to the hospital but is now in stable condition, Kearns said. MCKEESPORT, Pa. Channel 11 News is learning more about the man police said is responsible for shooting two McKeesport police officers on Monday, killing When asked if the suspect is being treated at the hospital, UPMC referred KDKA-TV's Meghan Schiller to McKeesport police. Officer Sluganski had served on the force for two years. Its at the ParkView Community Federal Credit Union in McKeesport #kdka @KDKA pic.twitter.com/XGGXldj7Oa. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Sources say a father called 911 after finding his son shot inside a home. A fatal shot felled officer Sean Sluganski, 32, who had worked in McKeesport for two years. Target 11 has also learned Morris mother filed a wrongful termination suit against the City of McKeesport, claiming racial and gender discrimination after she was fired. Hes so personable, so kind, said Jan Kugler, the owner of Lamperts Fine Meat and Deli. One of the responding officers then radioed: Were getting no response at the door. Morris' mother, Candace Taylor, is a former McKeesport police officer, KDKA-TV has learned. Please enter valid email address to continue. Just after 11 a.m., county police were alerted to a shooting on Fremont "I've got kids, I've got grandkids," Hudson said. He is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault, assaulting a law enforcement officer and criminal attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. His mother is also a former employee of the McKeesport Police Department. 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. Accused McKeesport police shooting suspect leaves UPMC Presbyterian. Channel 11 News is learning more about the man police said is responsible for shooting two McKeesport police officers on Monday, killing one of them. Those in attendance said they are praying for the families of both officers. !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