Man facing charges after firing shots near officers during SWAT situation in Central Oakland

PITTSBURGH — A man is facing charges after police say he fired shots near them during a SWAT incident that happened in Central Oakland on Christmas.

The University of Pittsburgh Police Department issued an emergency alert before 1:30 a.m. asking the public to avoid the 300 block of Atwood Street. The department said it assisted Pittsburgh Police in responding to “an incident.” Subsequent alerts said an individual was barricaded in a residence and asked people to stay in their homes.

In a release published by Pittsburgh Police Sunday night, the suspect was identified as Bruce M. Straka, 36.

While responding to the situation police say they began evacuating residents out of nearby apartments. As they were doing so, they say Straka fired a shot at them. Police say he then called 911 and told them the shot was fired by accident but continued to fire rounds that appeared to be directed toward officers outside of an exterior window.

Pitt police say the barricaded man surrendered to Pittsburgh Police peacefully just before 8 a.m.

Roads surrounding Atwood Street remained closed while police investigated.

Pitt police say all faculty, staff and students are safe.

Straka is being held at the Allegheny County Jail and is being charged with terroristic threats and recklessly endangering another person.

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