Man Shot By State Police After Allegedly Aiming Rifle At Officers
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – State Police shot a man in Butler Township, after they say he aimed a rifle at them.
It happened Sunday morning shortly before 5 a.m. on Bessemer Avenue between Pacific Street and Alton Street, where they found Sam Wheeler.
Police say they were first called for someone firing a weapon in that area. Witnesses told police that Wheeler was "acting irrationally prior to the incident" and threatened to kill a family member.
"I don't know, I've never seen him like that, I really don't know," said Wheeler's father, Charles.
Charles Wheeler was at a loss to explain what caused his son Sam to snap and go on a shooting rampage. Wheeler said it started in the morning when his son threatened to stab him if he didn't give him a rifle.
Witnesses say Sam grabbed the rifle and ran outside. They say he began arguing with neighbors and chasing them up the streets firing shots randomly.
When they got there, police say Sam wouldn't drop his gun and pointed it at the troopers. Two officers then shot at him several times.
Police say Sam was hit in the hand and forearm and ran away into some nearby woods, where he was later found lying on his side.
He was eventually taken to the hospital and his injuries are not considered life threatening.
State police say the troopers involved have been placed on administrative duties.
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