Westmoreland district attorney says use of force justified in November police shooting of man

Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced the November shooting of a Johnstown man by state police was justified.

Krysten Pretlor, 35, was shot and killed by state police on Nov. 3 after he allegedly led officers on a high-speed chase after a domestic incident involving a weapon in Richland Township, Cambria County.

Pretlor led troopers on a high-speed chase on Route 22 and tried to turn his vehicle around, according to state police. A state trooper tried to get the suspect to stop using a defensive maneuver, but he would not comply.

In a report, Ziccarelli said witnesses said and video showed Pretlor pointing a firearm in the direction of state police. Evidence shows Pretlor fired multiple rounds from inside and outside of his vehicle toward troopers, she said.

Troopers found a stolen handgun on Pretlor’s person and additional ammunition. The slide of the handgun was locked back which indicated it was fired until the magazine was empty.

Ziccarelli said she reviewed videos, reports, testimony, and evidence gathered from the scene and determined the use of deadly force was justified.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as information becomes available.

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