Deputy who shot at suspect in Garfield standoff tests positive for cocaine

PITTSBURGH — A deputy who shot at a suspect during a multi-hour-long standoff in Garfield tested positive for cocaine.

PHOTOS: Police involved in “active shootout” in Garfield

Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus held a press conference Tuesday regarding his office’s involvement in the standoff with suspect Will Hardison, which began after deputies tried to serve an eviction notice.

At the press conference, Kraus said all 13 deputies who fired at Hardison were drug tested, which is standard procedure.

“One of the components is drug and alcohol testing. That occurred on the 23rd, and they went to a medical facility and tested 13 deputies,” Kraus said.

One of them, a seven-year veteran of the office, tested positive for cocaine. He has since been fired.

“He did not admit it. He had a due process hearing this afternoon. He did not make any admissions,” Kraus said.

Kraus said he does not believe it’s the deputy who shot and killed Hardison.

“It’s very frustrating. This deputy was a very good employee. But like I said, we have a zero-tolerance policy. If you have illicit drugs in your system, it’s automatic termination,” he said.

The deputy is not facing any charges.

BREAKING: Sheriff Kraus says one of his 13 deputies who fired at Will Hardison during the Garfield shooting tested positive for cocaine. He does not believe it’s the deputy who shot & killed Hardison. @WPXI
— Gabriella DeLuca (@GabriellaDeLuca) September 5, 2023