Woman dead, man critically injured in shooting at Blawnox manufacturing plant

BLAWNOX BOROUGH, Pa. — A woman is dead and a man is in critical condition after a shooting in a Blawnox plant Tuesday morning.

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A 911 dispatcher told Channel 11 police and EMS were called to the 300 block of Fountain Street at around 6:30 a.m.

County police say a man walked into Tri-Arc Manufacturing and shot and killed a woman and injured another employee.

He was taken into custody without incident, according to Allegheny County police. The suspect was later identified as Sean Black, 42, of Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County — also an employee of Tri-Arc Manufacturing. He is facing several charges, including homicide and attempted homicide.

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The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office identified her as Courtney Smith, 30.

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The man, Dan Zoelle, was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. An uncle tells Channel 11 that Zoelle is now out of surgery and has “a good chance” to survive.

There were several employees inside the building at the time of the shooting, police said. Many of them ran and hid until police arrived.

Detectives believe this incident was domestic. Smith and Black recently separated and Smith began dating Zoelle.

Jeff Eller, spokesperson for Tri-Arc, sent Channel 11 the following statement:

“We are working with law enforcement as they investigate, and they will be releasing information as appropriate. We are focusing on supporting our employees throughout this very difficult time.”

The plant will be closed Wednesday.

If you’d like to donate to help the victim’s family, click here.

Anyone with information is asked to call the County Police Tip Line 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

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