Pittsburgh In Mourning After 3 Officers Killed During Standoff

A man wearing a bulletproof vest opened fire on police officers during a domestic disturbance call, killing three of them in Stanton Heights on Saturday, police said.

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The accused gunman, Richard Poplawski, 22, was arrested after a four-hour standoff at the Fairfield Street home.

Officers Paul Sciullo III and Stephen Mayhle were responding to the domestic call when they were shot in the head as they approached the door, police said.

Officer Eric Kelly lived in the neighborhood and was off duty at the time of the incident. Police said he heard the shots and came to assist his fellow officers.

Police said Poplawski was set up inside the home, shooting from a window. Police said the suspect shot more than 70 times as police returned fire.

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The best friend of Poplawski, Edward Perkovic, said he got a call from Poplawski earlier in the day.

"He called me and said, ‘Eddie, I'm going to die today,’" said Perkovic. “I heard gunshots in the background. He hung up the phone, and I couldn't get a hold of him since."

Richard Poplawski - new Richard Poplawski

Perkovic also mentioned that Poplawski was afraid the government was under Zionist control and would ban weapons.

Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper spoke during a news conference following the shootings.

"We considered all our officers family members, and we mourn as if we were the immediate family,” Harper said.

Police said Poplawski was using three weapons, including a long-arm rifle, pistol and an AK-47. Police sources said Poplawski was also wearing a bulletproof vest.

Following the gunfire, negotiators were able to get Poplawski to surrender. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital with several gunshot wounds to the leg. There is no word on his condition.

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“He was a pretty straightforward guy,” said Perkovic. “Never did any drugs. Never did anything out of line. Didn't belong to any gangs, any militias.”

Harper said the suspect is no stranger to authorities as police had been called to Poplawski’s home in the past.

Poplawski is charged with three counts of homicide and aggravated assault, among other charges.

Poplawski's aunt, Marianne Klimczyk, offered insight into the incident. She said her nephew was depressed and looking for work.

"My heart goes out to the families and police officers who lost their lives," said Klimczyk.

Channel 11 News learned Poplawski was training to become a U.S. Marine at one point, but sources said he was kicked out of boot camp. Officials said he was also kicked out of North Catholic High School in Pittsburgh.

In February 2005, Poplawski's girlfriend at the time filed a protection from abuse order against him after an alleged incident where he grabbed her hair and threatened to shoot her with a gun buried near his house.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato is sending his condolences to the victims and offering support for everyone involved.

“My condolences also go out to every police officer in the line of duty,” Onorato said in a statement. “I have made the full resources of the Allegheny County government available to assist with this tragedy."

Gov. Ed Rendell also issued a statement regarding the police deaths:

"The governor is shocked and saddened by this senseless act of violence and extends his sympathy to the families of the fallen officers and the entire Pittsburgh Police Department family," said spokesman Chuck Ardo.