Man charged with attempted murder of officer after gunfire exchange in Homestead
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A North Versailles man has been charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and fleeing from police after officials said he exchanged gunfire with an officer Monday night in Homestead after driving away from an attempted traffic stop in Pittsburgh.
The suspect, Erik Addison, 26, suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was struck by a responding West Homestead police officer’s vehicle, according to Allegheny County police, who filed the charges and are investigating the incident.
Addison received initial treatment at the scene from an agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and then was taken to an area trauma center, according to county police, who were called to assist Homestead police at about 8:45 p.m.
Addison remained in the hospital Tuesday afternoon and was listed in stable condition, police said.
Two officers who were involved in the incident were treated and released at at an area hospital, county police said. They didn’t say how the officers were injured or with what law enforcement agency they are affiliated.
The incident began as the federal agent and police officers from Pittsburgh and the county engaged in joint surveillance of Addison, who has been the target of multiple investigations.
A Pittsburgh officer attempted a traffic stop of Addison’s sedan at Johnston Avenue and Imogene Road in the city’s Hazelwood neighborhood, according to court documents.
A county police vehicle in front of the sedan was struck in the rear bumper before Addison backed up and struck two vehicles behind him that were driven by a city officer and the ATF agent. The county officer, who exited his vehicle and ordered Addison to stop, had to move out of the way when Addison fled at high speed, according to police.
The officers alerted Homestead police rather than pursuing Addison, who struck a vehicle on the Homestead Grays Bridge before he and a passenger abandoned the sedan in the 200 block of Eighth Avenue in Homestead and fled on foot, police said.
A Homestead police officer pursued and located Addison nearby in Hazel Alley. Police said Addison produced a firearm and exchanged gunfire with the police officer. When Addison emerged onto Amity Street, he was struck by a West Homestead police vehicle, according to county police.
The gun used by Addison was recovered at the scene, police said.
Addison’s male passenger was seen attempting to conceal a firearm under a garbage bin before making a purchase at a convenience store, police said. It wasn’t clear if the passenger would face any charges.
Addison also is charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault, weapons violations, reckless driving and driving without a license. He was awaiting a preliminary hearing.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the county police tip line at 1-833-255-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.
Allegheny County Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting involving Homestead Police.
The incident began as a traffic stop in the Zone 4 area of the City.
The suspect fled the area and ended up in Homestead.
Pittsburgh Police were NOT involved in the shooting. pic.twitter.com/kaNXhX5NIU
— Pittsburgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) May 9, 2023
Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter @MurrysvilleStar. Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter @jhimler_news.