
Allegheny County is currently the scene of an in-depth police investigation following an officer-involved shooting stemming from an alleged shoplifting incident in Homestead. The events unfolded shortly after 1 a.m. when Homestead Police were alerted to shoplifting on the 200 block of East 8th Avenue, according to a report by WPXI.
A suspect, later identified as 20-year-old Mitchell Johnson of Braddock, attempted to evade police officers by running away. A pursuit ensued, and Johnson was located again in an alley near East Hazel Way. It was here that Johnson is alleged to have fired a weapon at the officers, prompting one Homestead officer to quickly return fire, managing to injure Johnson in the hand, as detailed by WTAE.
Johnson was soon taken into custody and received medical treatment at a local hospital for his injury. Miraculously, no police officers were hurt during the exchange of gunfire. However, Johnson is now facing serious allegations, "including attempted homicide, assault of a law enforcement officer and carrying a firearm without a license," as WPXI reported.
The investigation into the shooting incident and the actions of the Homestead officer who discharged their weapon is ongoing. The officer's identity has not been released to the public. To gather more information about the incident, the Allegheny County Police Department is urging anyone with details to come forward and contact their tip line.