Murder suspect found in garbage can during SWAT standoff

PITTSBURGH — A murder suspect was found hiding in a garbage can during a SWAT standoff that lasted several hours Wednesday night in Pittsburgh’s Elliott neighborhood, police said.

Earl Jackson, 32, was identified as a suspect in the shooting death of 24-year-old Tamon Hatchin Wednesday afternoon in the Knoxville neighborhood, authorities said.

STORY: Man killed in afternoon shooting in Knoxville

A witness who had been talking to Hatchin on the street told police the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped on Brownsville Road and started shouting at Hatchin, according to a criminal complaint.

Hatchin and the victim continued walking and the Jeep drove away, the complaint said. They later encountered the driver as he stood on Marland Street and again shouted at Hatchin.

Hatchin and the driver then got into an argument, the witness told police. Hatchin was shot after he shoved away the driver, who grabbed him by the shirt, the complaint said.

Surveillance video showed the Jeep driving in the area before the shooting. The witness confirmed it was the same vehicle and identified the driver, Jackson, from a photo array compiled by detectives, the complaint said.

Investigators located Jackson about 7:45 p.m. at his home on Steuben Street in Elliott. Attempts to communicate with him and take him into custody were unsuccessful, police said.

The City of Pittsburgh SWAT Unit, police negotiators, the crime lab and the K-9 unit were called to the scene.

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After repeated efforts to get Jackson to surrender, SWAT officers entered the home shortly after 11 p.m. and found him hiding in a garbage can in the basement, officials said. He was taken into custody without incident.

According to court documents, the home is leased to Jackson’s sister and Jackson reportedly moved in after being released from prison.

Jackson faces a charge of criminal homicide, though additional charges are possible.

Cox Media Group