Chaos disrupted the predawn calm in Penn Hills as shots rang out in a confrontation between a suspect and Pittsburgh detectives. Allegheny County police have launched a manhunt for 40-year-old Darrell Barham after he allegedly fired upon city detectives during a surveillance operation. According to WPXI, the incident occurred Thursday morning on the 100 block of Newfield Drive at around 5:30 a.m.
Two Pittsburgh detectives were monitoring Barham's vehicle as part of an investigation, armed with a court order. Detectives spotted Barham departing his residence and became aware of his attention to their presence once out of the house. After noticing the detectives, the situation escalated rapidly as Barham reportedly began to follow them close in an unmarked car along Hulton Road near Iowa Street. It was here the detectives "heard multiple shots fired and observed muzzle flashes." The detectives were unharmed while fleeing in an unmarked vehicle, as reported by CBS News Pittsburgh.
The Allegheny County police have since issued a statement detailing the charges facing Barham, which include aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person. Barham, who stands 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs approximately 210 pounds, has been described as armed and dangerous. He is currently on federal probation, and authorities have urged the public not to approach him if seen but rather to contact law enforcement directly by calling 911.
The county police have set up a tip line and ask individuals to call 1-833-ALL-TIPS with any relevant details that could aid in apprehending the suspect.
