A 69-year-old man was shot multiple times last night after allegedly breaking into a Brownsville Borough home, leaving him hospitalized and the neighborhood on edge, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Troopers found the wounded man at a residence near the intersection of 18th Street and Water Street, and he was flown by medical helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh for emergency surgery. Court records later identified him as Ronald Rosiek of Hopwood and show he faces felony counts tied to the incident. Investigators say the homeowner opened fire during a struggle inside her bedroom.
Troopers from the Belle Vernon barracks were called to the home for a reported disturbance, and the Criminal Investigation Unit assigned to that barracks is leading the probe, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. The release states troopers arrived to find a man who had been shot multiple times, and that the homeowner was able to leave the residence as officers were getting to the scene. The State Police post also includes a contact number for anyone with information about the case.
As reported by CBS Pittsburgh, court records show Rosiek was charged with aggravated assault, criminal trespassing, and burglary in connection with the break-in. The outlet notes that investigators say the homeowner shot the man first in the leg and then in the side of the head after he continued toward her. He was then flown to UPMC Presbyterian for emergency surgery, according to the report.
How Investigators Say the Break-In Unfolded
The woman told investigators she heard someone pounding on her door and that the alleged intruder broke a window to get into her home before entering her bedroom, according to a release from the Pennsylvania State Police. After he was struck by gunfire in the leg, the man allegedly kept advancing and was shot a second time in the side of the head, then a struggle followed. The woman was able to escape the home as troopers arrived, and detectives are processing evidence.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Criminal Investigation Unit based at the Belle Vernon barracks is coordinating with local authorities while detectives continue to gather evidence, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. Court records cited by CBS Pittsburgh list the charges against Rosiek. Troopers are asking anyone with information to contact the Belle Vernon barracks at 724-929-6262.
