NORTH HUNTINGDON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Six tension-filled hours came to a peaceful close in North Huntingdon. It started at a home on Ivanhoe Drive at 1 p.m.
Police were called to conduct a welfare check, but retreated and called for backup when they heard gunshots.
Streets around the house were closed and neighbors were locked down, including a hair salon across the street.
Jacqueline Ricker was finishing a hair appointment.
“I was down there in the beauty shop getting my hair done, and the next thing we know, police were coming to the door and telling us to get to the back,” she said.
“I thought it was kind of a joke. Then, I realized he was serious. I guess I was shocked,” Annette Albensi said. She was working in the shop at the time.
Eventually, police evacuated the homes and businesses. They took people to the parking lot of a nearby day care center.
Around 7 p.m., the situation ended.
“The individual came out of the house. We were able to talk him to the ground and subsequently take them into custody,” Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Stephen Limani said.
He says they treated it as a mental health situation.
“I think, most importantly, try and get the person the help they need to see what triggered this type of incident to take place,” Limani said.
Law enforcement operated with information that there were multiple guns in the home, including long guns. Limani says he’s thankful things didn’t go differently.
“If you try and force your way in or try to force a situation to have a quick resolution, usually it’s not the best way to act.”
The man’s identity has not been released. He was the only one in the house. We’re told he’ll likely face charges.
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