Police Chief: Millvale Standoff Suspects Showed Gun To Rideshare Driver, Said 'We're Ready For Gun Fight'
MILLVALE (KDKA) -- Police said the lengthy standoff in Millvale has come to an end.
The incident unfolded just after 9 a.m. at a home along Beckert Street.
The community is in the middle of their annual Millvale Days celebration, which brings the residents together for different events and activities.
According to the Millvale Police chief, the two men who they believed were barricaded in the home were passengers in a rideshare vehicle Friday morning when one of them showed a gun to the driver.
Police said nobody was inside the home, and they believe the individuals got out between the time the 911 call was placed and when officials arrived.
"After multiple attempts with gas, hailing, phone calls, they've just cleared it now and it appears now that both subjects at some point left the building," said Millvale Police Chief Tim Komoroski.
"I was listening to music this morning, doing my morning routine, then all I hear is them shooting gas cans towards the house," said Dylan Ellison, who lives nearby.
Police say the suspect told the driver: "We are ready for a gun fight. Someone is coming from Lawrenceville."
NEW INFO: The Millvale Police Chief released some new info on SWAT situation. He says two guys were in a ride share vehicle, showed the driver a gun, and said "We're ready for a gunfight. Someone is coming from Lawrenceville. The driver called 911 & this turned into a SWAT scene.
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) September 13, 2019
The driver then dropped them off at the home, one of the suspects is believed to live there, and police showed up shortly afterward.
Officers and the North Hills SERT team surrounded the home and called for the men to come out with their hands in the air.
Dylan Ellison shared this video with me. He got footage of the SWAT situation going on right near his home in Millvale. He said he heard some bangs then an explosion sound. @KDKA pic.twitter.com/L7XtgCMnaF
— Amy Wadas (@AmyWadas) September 13, 2019
A SWAT vehicle was seen along the narrow street and witnesses reported hearing flash-bangs.
Police say they've used pepper spray canisters and brought in a breaching device.
Officers have secured a search warrant for the home.
Neighbors were evacuated and taken to a shelter set up at the Millvale Community Center.
Police say they have dealt with one of the suspects in the past and the man who had the gun is not allowed to possess a firearm.
