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Pennsylvania police officer fatally shot, another injured

Allegheny County identified the deceased officer as Sean Sluganski, 32, who was pronounced dead at the hospital Monday.

Published: February 7, 2023 7:08am

Updated: February 7, 2023 7:42am

A western Pennsylvania police officer was fatally shot Monday and other injured in response to call for a domestic disturbance.

The incident happened at about noon in the city of McKeesport, and the suspect is in custody.

Allegheny County police said McKeesport officers were responding to a call about a domestic disturbance that included information about a man experiencing a mental health crisis, according to WTAE-TV

"The officers attempted to speak with the subject, and he walked away without speaking with officers," County police Superintendent Christopher Kearns said.

The suspect, Johnathan Jermia Morris, 31, allegedly told witnesses "police were trying to kill him" and he eventually "produced a handgun and shot the two McKeesport officers," Kearns said. 

The McKeesport officer who died has been identified as Sean Sluganski, 32.

The wounded officer has been identified as Charles Thomas, Jr., 35. 

Morris left the scene after shooting the officers and quickly encountered a third McKeesport officer, upon whom he also opened fire, Kearns said. The police officer returned fire and wounded Morris, who is now in custody and in stable condition.

He faces charges including homicide, aggravated assault and first-degree murder of a police officer.

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