SWAT Incident In Shaler Twp. Prompts Lock Down At Nearby Schools
SHALER TWP. (KDKA) -- Police and SWAT surrounded a Shaler Township home Friday, where someone was barricaded inside.
It happened in the area of Meier Lane. Police closed the area off and local schools were locked down as a precaution, including Marzolf Elementary.
"The schools are not involved, we just wanted to play this safe," said Shaler Police Lt. Sean Frank.
Some parents were frustrated they were unable to pick up their children.
"It's a hard place to be in, not knowing. They could be here all night. And we read this guy has full body armor," said parent Lizzie Schad.
Police sources tell KDKA 32-year-old Brad Nichols broke up with his girlfriend Thursday. He was believed to be heavily armed with as many as 300 guns and wearing a bullet-proof vest.
"How he can get those many guns, I don't understand, and being that close to a school is very scary and unsettling," said parent Courtney Bianch.
Earlier in the morning, Nichols' mother was being held inside, but she was released.
Negotiators from the North Hills Specialized Response Team were able to talk him out of the residence. Gas was also deployed into the home at one point.
Around 3 p.m., Nichols was confirmed to be in custody. He was taken to UPMC Mercy for evaluation.
After the residence was empty, a fire started inside. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the blaze.
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