Fatal Shooting In Lawrenceville Bar Remains Under Investigation

Fatal Shooting In Lawrenceville Under Investigation

January 27, 2011 12:45 PM

The shooting happened at Salac’s Tavern in Lawrenceville. (Photo Credit: KDKA)

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The investigation continues today after a man was fatally wounded late Wednesday night inside of a bar in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood.

Investigators say they believe the shooting may have been accidental. It happened in the 4500-block of Butler Street at Salac’s Tavern.

Authorities were called to the scene around 11 p.m. for a report of a bartender who sustained a gunshot wound.

According to preliminary reports, the victim may have been twirling the firearm around when it went off, wounding him.

Pittsburgh police say the detective who arrived on the scene first found the door to the bar locked and had to wait for someone with a key to arrive.

Once inside, officials say they found the man with a gunshot wound to the head.

The 52-year-old man from Morningside, identified by investigators as John Popinski, was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police say a .357 revolver was recovered at the scene.

Stay with KDKA for the latest details.

Fatal Shooting In Lawrenceville Under Investigation

dansuxs

This is a terrible accident. Please keep the horrible comments to yourself. The facts of the accident are still under investigation…just because KDKA puts some unverified comments on a web page does not mean it’s the truth.
Renee Popinski Young

How friggin heartless of yins who made these rude friggin comments. This was my cousin who died accidently and he was the sweetest person and did not know the gun was loaded. How would you like it if you had to read this comments while you are grieving and it was your family member or friend who died this way…I will be praying for your hearts cuz they really need it. Plus his son who was right there with him when he died will probably read this too…how heartless can people be, you guys amaze me.

bullet

guns are only used for one purpose. they’re not toys.
a friend

my prayers are with you and your family
TIBEAN

dear friend of mine bartender at my wedding let well enough alone my prayers and heart go out to(JOE) AND HIS 3 SONS

A friend

The people who left those unconsiderate comments should be ashamed of themselves. Have a little compassion for those greiving and keep anything you might be thinking to yourself. You weren’t there so why comment as all unless leaving your condolences for the family. My heart doesn’t so much go out for those who left the comments but to the family who lost a loved one. Again my condolences go out to the Popinski family may god watch over you all…

Jay

If you want to read condolences, go to the obituary. People commentin here are making comments based on what the article said. That’s the point of comments. It’s always sad when someone loses their life but the truth is people comment on articles. If you have an issue with the article claiming that someone was being careless/wreckless with a firearm then don’t chastize commenors, report your views to the writer of the article.

Jay

After re-reading, I realize that my comment make come across as harsh. The point I’m making is that reports aren’t police statements and quite often include speculation. Comments are based on the speculations. Based on nearly all reports of crimes, it truly is in the best interest of those close to the deceased to not read the comments because there will be people commenting on the article. Most online obituaries allow for comments where people can pay their respect without worrying about comments in the ‘paper’ (here) that might be construed as offensive.

And whether the article is correct or not in the claim of how he gun was handled the end result is that a person lost their life. And condolences to his family and those that knew him.

friend of johns son

even though i didn’t really know john as much as his son he still was the nicest man on the face of this earth .he had the smile and laugh that would make your heart smile. and some people need to learn a little word called respect .it doesn’t matter about your version of playing with guns are it was an accident and condolences can be shared where ever and whenever they want to be shared .my sympathy to yu renee ,nick ,mike and to the rest of your family .
friend of johns son

even though i didn’t really know john as much as his son he still was the nicest man on the face of this earth .he had the smile and laugh that would make your heart smile. and some people need to learn a little word called respect .it doesn’t matter about your version of playing with guns are it was an accident and condolences can be shared where ever and whenever they want to be shared .my sympathy to yu renee ,nick ,mike ,george and to the rest of your family .
Quaeonia

this was a horrible thing to happen and my prayers go out to this family. i didnt know john that well but iknow his son well. i was hurt to see this on the news the night before my birthday. i will always have this prayer in mind eveyday i wake up…
James J

This sure sound fishy to me

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