An officer-involved shooting occurred late Saturday on I-279 Southbound, following a high-speed police chase that ended when a white SUV lost control and crashed. According to WPXI, one person was shot by an officer and later died from their injuries, while three other individuals were hospitalized.
Pennsylvania State Police initiated the pursuit in Butler County just before 8 p.m. and were joined by multiple departments as the chase entered Allegheny County. The southbound lanes of I-279 were closed for several hours, reopening around 4 a.m. yesterday, for evidence collection and investigation, as stated by WTAE.
After the vehicle accident, shots were reportedly fired from within the SUV, which resulted in return fire from an officer. Multiple departments chased the SUV into Allegheny County, and it's currently unknown which department the officer who fired the fatal shot belongs to. The names of those involved have not been disclosed, neither the officer nor the occupants of the SUV, per the information provided by state police.
Authorities have confirmed that there is no immediate threat to the public following the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Pennsylvania State Police have not commented on the condition of the three injured individuals who were taken to the hospital. Further updates are expected as the case progresses and additional information becomes available from the authorities.
