New details are emerging tonight about two separate Pennsylvania State Police officer-involved shootings that happened just days apart in northwest Pennsylvania in late May.
In both incidents, the troopers involved were members of the Pennsylvania State Police Special Emergency Response Team, commonly known as SERT.
The most recent shooting happened in Pittsfield Township in Warren County after what police described as an all-day standoff involving an armed resident who was allegedly threatening to harm family members.
According to investigators, troopers responded to the scene and attempted to resolve the situation. Police said the man eventually pointed a rifle at officers. Troopers then opened fire, killing him.
Just days earlier, another fatal officer-involved shooting occurred in Hydetown in Crawford County.
State police said SERT members were serving a warrant connected to what officials described as a high-risk case when a suspect allegedly fired at officers. Troopers returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect.
Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that six SERT team members involved in the two incidents have been placed on administrative leave while investigations continue.
The Pennsylvania State Police Troop E Major Case Team is investigating both shootings. State police Internal Affairs is also conducting a parallel review into the incidents, to determine if department policies were followed.
Once those investigations are complete, the district attorneys in Warren and Crawford counties will determine if the use of force was justified, and whether any criminal charges are warranted.