4 charged, including 16-year-old, after SWAT situation in Canonsburg

CANONSBURG, Pa. — Four people, including a 16-year-old, were arrested overnight Tuesday after an hours-long standoff in Canonsburg ended peacefully following a report of an armed robbery, authorities said.

A SWAT team was called Tuesday night to a home in the 100 block of Smith Street near Ashland Avenue after the robbery, which was reported just before 7 p.m. at a different location, Washington County dispatchers told Channel 11 News.

RAW VIDEO: SWAT situation in Canonsburg following robbery

Travis Bush, 27; Tonaiya Carr, 19; Denver Findley, 16; and Amanda Snatchko were arrested and charged. Although Findley is a juvenile, he is being charged as an adult.

Police said officers chased the suspects into Bush and Snatchko's house, where the standoff took place.

As the standoff unfolded, police could be heard asking people to come out of the house. A mother was also heard pleading.

Police said at least one person in the house was believed to have a gun. No shots were ever exchanged, but police did use tear gas at one point.

The incident ended peacefully after five hours when the four suspects surrendered.

Devan Byrd told Channel 11 News that the incident started with a home invasion at his house. He said a friend asked him to hang out and brought an unexpected group of people with him.

“They barged their way in, put a gun to my temple and said, ‘Run them pockets,’” Byrd said.

Police said Byrd told them that the suspects stole $250, a DVD player, a backpack and drug paraphernalia.

According to a criminal complaint, one of the suspects told police that a friend suggested they rob Byrd.

Byrd said he almost didn’t call police because his life was threatened.

“(They said,) ‘If you tell anyone or say anything, I’ll come back and kill you,’” Byrd said. “Pretty scary night. (He) said he was going to be watching my house.”

Channel 11 News learned Wednesday morning that Byrd was taken to jail, but no charges had been filed.

Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome told Channel 11 News that all residents were asked to stay in their homes as a precaution during the standoff.

“There was a danger. We quickly evacuated any residences that needed evacuating, secured the area and eliminated that area,” Canonsburg police Chief Alexander Coghill said.

No injuries were reported.

Cox Media Group