
(Scypre.com) – The Pittsburgh police found themselves thrust into a dire situation on Wednesday as they responded to a volatile shooting incident near the Garfield neighborhood, with reports indicating that “hundreds of rounds” were discharged.
As of now, the police have refrained from disclosing any specific details concerning potential injuries resulting from the incident. According to KDKA-TV, the situation took a grave turn when law enforcement officers arrived to serve an eviction notice in the area, which is located in the northeastern part of Pittsburgh.
One eyewitness, a neighbor in proximity to the incident, expressed their astonishment, stating to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “I’ve never heard bullets like this. Something you’d see in a movie.”
In response to this perilous situation, city police swiftly took action by closing several roads in the vicinity. They also used social media platforms to issue urgent appeals to residents, imploring them to stay clear of the area as gunfire continued to erupt.
An extensive contingent of law enforcement officers descended upon Garfield, responding to this active shooting situation, while residents were being sternly warned to remain at a safe distance.
Pittsburgh Public Safety authorities specifically advised individuals to steer clear of the 4800 block of Broad Street and North Mathilda Street in Garfield. This area is in proximity to Allegheny Cemetery and lies just around the corner from Children’s Hospital, located in a bustling corridor of Penn Avenue.
The disturbing sequence of events unfolded when deputies from the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office arrived at a residence to deliver an eviction notice. Tragically, the suspect responded with gunfire, as reported by sheriff’s office spokesman Mike Manko.
A neighbor named Leslie Thompson recounted her harrowing experience, describing how she heard the officers attempting to gain entry to her neighbor’s house. “I went to shut my windows, and at that point was when I heard shots ring out,” she said. “I was very nervous. … Trying to get to the basement was unbearable. Shots were ringing out everywhere.”
Thompson also shared that bullets had penetrated her living room and bathroom through her windows.
Another neighbor, who chose to remain anonymous, testified to the intensity of the situation, stating that he had counted more than a hundred shots fired during the incident. “I’ve never heard bullets like this,” he commented. “Something you’d see in a movie.” Multiple roads in the vicinity had to be sealed off as authorities converged on the scene, and the volley of shots persisted.
Efforts were made by officers to evacuate residents from their homes within the block. Police advised anyone within these residences to remain sheltered in place, dial 911, and provide their address and location to ensure their safe removal.
Chris Wilkinson, visiting family in the area, recalled the initial moments of the incident, saying, “In the beginning, all we heard was the cops. They were banging on the door where the shooting takes place. They were banging on it telling him they were there. And after a couple of minutes of them doing it, they started to kick down the door, but after a few tries they couldn’t do it. Then, they got a sledgehammer and took down the door, and after that shots started to be fired.”
Minutes before the alarming barrage of gunfire, residents living a few blocks away attested to the area’s typically tranquil nature.
Jimmy, who chose not to disclose his last name, recounted hearing a few flash bangs and several gunshots. He emphasized the strong community spirit in the neighborhood, stating, “A lot of good people [live here], people who look out for their families and kids. Right now it’s a major concern to everyone here living in the community. … This is one of those areas where it’s quiet and tucked away.”
In response to the situation, a spokesperson for Allegheny Health Network reported that nearby West Penn Hospital was operating with “controlled access” as a precautionary measure. Security measures included screening people with metal detectors to ensure their safety.
Similarly, a representative from UPMC stated that Children’s Hospital had heightened security measures in place on its campus, which would be maintained throughout the day.