Harmar officer fires shot at man accused of stealing TV from Target, ramming cruiser

PITTSBURGH — A Harmar Township officer opened fire on a man accused of stealing a television from a Target store and ramming an officer's cruiser while trying to flee.

Investigators said they chased 23-year-old Brandon Cafeo, of Garfield, from the store in Harmar to the Highland Park Bridge Monday night.

Officers said employees at the store spotted Cafeo trying to steal the television through a fire exit door.

When police arrived they said Cafeo used his car to ram one of the officer's cruisers two times, which prompted one officer to fire his gun.

Police chased Cafeo from the store to the Highland Park Bridge where he was arrested. Investigators said Cafeo hit five cars while trying to get away.

Officials said the officer who fired the shot was placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure, during the investigation.

Channel 11 News spoke to Cafeo a few weeks ago after he claimed he was the victim of a robbery. Cafeo said he was shot at during the robbery, but no arrests were made.

Ross Township police said Cafeo is also responsible for stealing DVDs from an area Kmart. Investigators said surveillance cameras caught Cafeo stuffing DVDs into a suitcase and leaving through a fire exit last week.

WPXI