Suspect shot, injured man trying to help him in Brighton Heights, police say

PITTSBURGH — A man is hurt and a suspect is in custody after a shooting in Brighton Heights on Wednesday afternoon.

>> CLICK HERE FOR A LOOK AT THE SCENE <<

Emergency crews were called to the 3700 block of Brighton Road just after 4 p.m.

The investigation shows the shooting was random. The victim came across the suspect, who was acting irrationally, and was trying to help, Assistant Chief of Operations for Pittsburgh Police Richard Ford said.

“It’s amazing that nobody else was hit. Obviously, our thoughts and prayers to this victim, who was just trying to be a good Samaritan,” Ford said.

The victim was shot multiple times. He is in critical condition.

The suspect, who police have identified as Angus Sanders Jr., 47, was also taken to the hospital after being tased by police.

“We heard a bunch of shots that I thought were gunshots but didn’t really think much of it,” said Pat Conley, who lives in Lynn Williams Apartments near where the shooting happened. “Next thing I knew I heard all the sirens.”

Officers found the alleged gunman hiding in the bushes. They believe he was on some kind of drugs and said he ignored commands to drop his gun.

Ford said officers eventually tackled the suspect and tased him.

“They put their own lives on the line to wrestle the gun away from him,” he said. “They were able to take him into custody without injuring this individual other than the tasering.”

Neighbors said the suspect is known in the Brighton Heights neighborhood and is usually seen hanging around the bushes where the chaotic scene played out.

“He always sits on the curb, minds his own business, carries his bag,” said Joe Pail, who lives a few feet away from where the shooting happened.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

©2024 Cox Media Group