Watch CBS News

Police Officer Charged In Fatal Bloomfield Shooting

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) –The Pittsburgh Police officer involved in a fatal Bloomfield shooting over the weekend has been arrested and charged.

It happened around 2:30 a.m. Sunday at Condrin's Tavern on Torley Street.

Shawn Evans, 56, was found shot multiple times and was later declared dead at the scene.

Police say one of their officers, 50-year-old Kenneth Farnan, who had been on "workman's compensation" since 2010 shot Evans.

According to police, a witness reported seeing the two men get into a physical alteration before the shooting. The two had also been drinking together in the bar.

"They earlier got into an altercation -- they were fist-fighting in the bar," said Bloomfield resident Jim Jastrab.

The police criminal complaint says that Farnan fired five to seven shots.

Sources say Farnan will plead not guilty, claiming that he was being beaten and thought his life was in danger. They also say that he is a decorated marine veteran who suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

But those who knew the two men say they had been friends and knew each other for a long time.

"The two of them were the best of friends for years," said Jastrab.

Evan's widow, Norma Condrin, told KDKA-TV's Ralph Iannotti, "He [Farnan] came to my camp in Slippery Rock, I don't understand it, [the shooting] was all over something stupid."

The police report says Farnan was at the bar with his head down, and his chin on his chest, Evans poked him, and Farnan said "Why did you hit me in the head so hard?" The two started exchanging punches, and Evans said Farnan bit him on his arm.

The victim's son, Shawn Evans, Jr. said Monday night, "Everybody loved my dad, he wouldn't hurt a soul, it's a shame, it's a tragedy."

Robert Evans, the victim's brother said he thought police officers on disability should not be allowed to carry a gun.

Farnan was arrested Monday and charged with criminal homicide.

He is currently in the Allegheny County Jail. He was denied bail Monday night.

Stay with KDKA for more information.

RELATED LINKS
More Local News
More Police News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.