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Baldwin sergeant shot by fellow officer recovering in good spirits

BALDWIN, Pa. — A Baldwin police sergeant who was accidentally shot by a fellow officer while responding to a domestic dispute early Sunday morning remains hospitalized while he continues to recover.

The incident happened in the 5100 block of Elmwood Drive just before 4 a.m.

According to police, Sgt. Ralph Miller was shot once in the back while he and three other officers responded to the domestic dispute between a boyfriend and girlfriend.

Allegheny County police Superintendent Charles Moffatt said the girlfriend told 911 dispatchers that her boyfriend had a gun and was distraught. She then locked herself in a bedroom and said that her boyfriend had calmed down.

When the three Baldwin officers and a Whitehall officer arrived at the home, Miller went to the door and ordered the man to put his hands up. He had a milk jug in one hand while his other hand was behind the door.

Moffatt said the man tried to close the door and one of the Baldwin officers fired two shots, one striking Miller just below his bulletproof vest.

The other Baldwin officer then fired a shot that hit the house.

"The officer behind him fired his weapon twice. There was another officer farther away from the house. He hears the shots, sees the officer down, levels his weapon and fires once striking the outside of the house," said Allegheny County police Supt. Charles Moffatt.

Miller was transported to Mercy Hospital where he was taken into surgery. Miller was listed in stable condition Monday after undergoing his third surgery since the shooting.

“He has a shattered pelvis, shattered hip and possible nerve damage,” Baldwin Police Chief Michael Scott said.

Police said the man inside of the home was not armed and had tossed his rifle out of a window into the yard. His name has not been released.

Investigators said the man could face charges unrelated to the shooting.

All three Baldwin officers have been placed on administrative leave. No charges have been filed. Police continue to investigate.

Scott said Miller has offered support to the officer who injured him and is in good spirits.

“He’s remarkable. He was laughing, joking and wants us to take care of appointments he had,” Scott said.