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Suspect In Officer Shooting In Custody, Officer Recovering

BEAVER COUNTY (KDKA) -- They are resting easier in Beaver County now that a suspect is in custody for the shooting of a Harmony Township police officer. The arrest comes while the officer remains on the road to recovery.

People in Harmony Township are breathing easier now that a suspect has been arrested for the shooting of Officer Alan Loskoch. A three-day manhunt ended Friday when 28-year-old Earl Hollins turned himself into police in Aliquippa.

"I'm glad it ended the way it did," resident Jim Katarski said. "He's where he belongs. No one else got hurt, that's good news."

Officer Loskoch was shot in the chest Wednesday while on routine patrol along Beaver Road. Police got a tip that a man matching Hollins' description was in Aliquippa. Officers searched the area and even encountered Hollins, but did not have probable cause to make an arrest. But they kept the heat on in the neighborhood.

"Eventually, the pressure of us searching several different houses caused him to turn himself in," said Lt. Thomas Dubovii of the Pennsylvania State Police.

Beaver County District Attorney Anthony Berosh said Hollins has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, carrying firearms without a license, simple assault and reckless endangerment.

Officer Loskoch was shot in the chest, but authorities believe his protective equipment or bulletproof vest saved his life. The Harmony Township police chief was first to tell Loskoch about the arrest.

"He's very happy," Chief Robert Slevewright said. "He wanted to thank everybody for their support."

Berosh says this is an opportunity to make sure police officers have the proper safety equipment.

"I want an accounting from towns of just how old some of their equipment is," he said. "This is a case to build on."

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