A disturbance call on Valley Road in Young Township turned into an exchange of gunfire Sunday, leaving a 60-year-old Indiana County man wounded and facing multiple felony charges, according to state police. Troopers say they returned fire after the suspect allegedly opened up on them outside a home. The man, identified as Robert John Richard II, was struck in the shoulder, and troopers rendered aid at the scene before he was taken to Forbes Hospital. Authorities say the investigation remains active.
Troopers were dispatched at about 11:45 a.m. after a neighbor reported a man pointing what appeared to be an automatic rifle at a nearby home, according to a Pennsylvania State Police press release reported by WTAE. When troopers arrived, they told investigators they saw Richard outside holding a long gun. The press release states he then fired directly at the officers, who returned fire and struck him.
Coverage from WPXI reports that troopers took Richard into custody after the shooting, performed first aid on him at the scene and then transported him to Forbes Hospital for further treatment. According to state police, as cited by WPXI, Richard is now charged with criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault and assault of a law enforcement officer. Officials say the probe is ongoing as they gather evidence and statements.
Investigation and procedure
The case is being handled by the Pennsylvania State Police Troop A Major Case Team along with the Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, according to WTAE. In similar officer-involved shootings, the agency may assign involved troopers to administrative duty while the inquiry continues.
Anyone with information about Sunday’s incident is asked to contact Troop A in Indiana at 724-357-1960, per the Pennsylvania State Police Troop A directory.
Context
Confrontations between residents and state troopers in Indiana County have led to extensive investigations in the past. Hoodline detailed a 2025 case in a deadly rooftop confrontation, in which a suspect firing from a rooftop was killed after troopers returned fire, underscoring how quickly disturbance calls can escalate into deadly encounters.
State police have said they will release more information as investigators complete their work. Residents with tips or video about Sunday’s incident should call Troop A in Indiana at 724-357-1960, according to the Pennsylvania State Police Troop A directory.
