JOHNSTOWN —
A Johnstown man was shot in the torso by an unidentified Richland Township police officer after the suspect allegedly fired a shotgun blast into one of the department’s cruisers on Thursday morning.
Kevin McGee, 45, discharged one round into the vehicle located in the Richland Township Municipal Building parking lot at about 10:30 a.m., according to Cambria County District Attorney Kelly Callihan.
Police officers inside the building reacted immediately.
“They were able to give him commands to drop the weapon,” Callihan said. “He did not comply. He turned and faced the window with the shotgun pointed in their direction. One officer discharged a round that struck the actor.”
Officers then administered emergency aid before EMS personnel arrived.
The suspect was taken to Memorial Medical Center, where he underwent surgery. McGee was being watched by armed guards as of Thursday night.
He was charged Thursday before District Judge Mary Ann Zanghi with 13 crimes, including eight felonies: Criminal attempted homicide (two counts), assault of a law enforcement officer (two) and aggravated assault (four).
Local schools react quickly to shooting
He also faces two counts each of recklessly endangering another person and making terroristic threats, along with one case of criminal mischief for damaging property. All of those are misdemeanors.
The reason for his alleged actions on Thursday are unknown at this time.
“I can’t comment on motive,” Callihan said.
Callihan is asking for assistance from members of the community who can provide information by contacting state police in Ebensburg (471-6500), the Cambria County Hotline (800) 548-7500) or the district attorney’s office (472-1680).
“I am calling upon the public. Anyone who has any information about this individual, Kevin McGee, anyone who knows his whereabouts in the last several days or any behavior he has been exhibiting that can come forward and help us piece together what happened would be appreciated,” Callihan said.
McGee previously had been scheduled for arraignment and a preliminary hearing before District Judge Max Pavlovich of Richland Township on Sept. 25 concerning charges of possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct that date back to February.
This was the second shooting involving local police officers in recent months. On June 25, Elip Cheatham, 27, was fatally shot by Johnstown police on North Sheridan Street in the city’s West End.
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
