A workplace argument at a Springdale Township auto shop turned deadly Wednesday evening when a towing company employee shot and killed a co-worker, authorities said.
The gunfire broke out around 5 p.m. at Oak's Auto/Truck Service on School Street in Allegheny County, according to a county news release. First responders found a man with multiple gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Scene and police account
In a statement, the Allegheny County Police Department said preliminary information indicates a dispute between two employees escalated from an argument into a physical fight. During that confrontation, one worker pulled a gun and fatally shot the other, according to investigators.
Police have not released the names of either man and have offered few additional details as detectives processed the scene and began interviews. More on the county statement is available from CBS Pittsburgh.
Workplace violence in context
Deadly attacks on the job are still a relatively small slice of overall workplace fatalities, but shootings remain a particularly lethal form of violence when they occur. Federal data compiled by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health show that about 17,865 workers were victims of workplace homicides from 1992 through 2019, and shootings account for the vast majority of those deaths, according to NIOSH.
Investigation and next steps
Allegheny County police said detectives will consult with the county district attorney’s office to determine whether the shooter will face criminal charges. Investigators asked anyone with information to call the county tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
As detectives continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses, police have not said whether anyone is in custody, CBS Pittsburgh reported.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the confrontation or who may have video of the incident to contact investigators. This story will be updated as officials release more information.
