A standoff in Lower Burrell last night, ended in gunfire when SWAT officers shot a person who, authorities say, had fired first at responding police. Tactical officers returned fire, wounding the individual, who was then taken to a hospital. Police secured the immediate area while investigators worked the scene.
According to a short video report from CBS News Pittsburgh, Westmoreland County SWAT personnel shot and struck the person during the standoff after the suspect allegedly fired at officers. The station did not report the person’s condition or whether any charges had been filed, and the clip was not accompanied by a detailed police statement.
County Tactical Team Called for High-Risk Situations
The Westmoreland County SWAT unit is a multi-municipality tactical team that handles some of the county’s riskiest calls, including barricaded suspects and high-risk search warrants. The group draws officers from several departments across Westmoreland County and is activated when a situation is considered especially dangerous. The municipality of Murrysville notes that the team is used for hostage situations, suicide-related incidents and other high-risk responses.
Recent Firearms Calls in Lower Burrell
The city has seen other serious firearm-related incidents in recent years. In November 2024, a man was arrested after allegedly firing a gun through an apartment wall, an incident that led to criminal charges. That earlier case was reported by WTAE. The repeat appearance of dangerous calls helps explain why neighboring departments turn to the county SWAT team for barricade and similar responses.
What Officials Are Saying So Far…