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Man Arrested After Urinating Dog Fuels Indiana Co. Standoff

WHITE TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - State police say an Indiana County man was in custody after surrendering to end an armed standoff, which police believe was fueled by alcohol and an argument with a friend over how to discipline a dog that urinated in the man's apartment.

"Never had any problems since I lived here," said neighbor John Reis.

That changed around midnight, when police say 25-year-old Matthew Palmeri, of White Township, became angry after his dog peed on the floor.

Palmeri, who State Police say had been drinking, became enraged and began to abuse the dog. His friend, Matthew Boone, was worried about the dog.

"The victim proceeded to remove both of the dogs from the suspect's residence, took them back to his residence," said State Tpr. John Matchik.

Boone then went back to Palmeri's. Police say Palmeri then pointed a gun at Boone, the two got into an altercation and a shot was fired, barely missing Boone.

Boone was able to flee the apartment and call police around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.

After that, SWAT arrived and spent hours in the extreme cold trying to get Palmeri to respond.

Finally around 7 a.m., Palmeri -- who investigators believe may have passed out from the alcohol -- woke up and gave up.

"He voluntarily surrendered without incident," Matchik said.

Police say Palmeri had access to assault rifles, including an AK-47 and M-4.

Palmeri was taken to the Indiana County Jail and charged on multiple counts, including aggravated assault.

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