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Man dead after shooting at officer in Wilkinsburg, police say

WILKINSBURG, Pa. — A man is dead after a foot chase led to a shootout with police early Sunday in Wilkinsburg, authorities said.

Allegheny County Police said just after 1 a.m., Wilkinsburg officers were called to the intersection of Penn Avenue and Wood Street. A 911 call was made about a man at that location threatening a person with a gun.

When police arrived, they found the man matching the description. He tried to run from officers and they took off after him, officials said.

The man was identified as 24-year-old Romir Talley.

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During the foot chase, Talley turned around and shot a handgun at a police officer, authorities said. The Wilkinsburg officer returned fire, hitting and killing Talley.

The Wilkinsburg officer has been placed on administrative leave as county police investigate the shooting.

Attorney Todd Hollis posted on Facebook that Talley’s family has retained him.

Mayor Marita Garrett sent Channel 11 the following statement:

“First and foremost, the Wilkinsburg Police Department’s mission is to always protect the life and property of our residents in the Borough, as safety and security are our number one priority. It is understood and known that to be a part of this department – you must have a commitment to this community. In regards to the events that occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, December 22 involving one of officers, a loss of life occurred which is devastating. A 911 call was received reporting that the actor was threatening another individual with an armed weapon. Our officers responded to the call and peacefully attempted to speak with the actor at which point he began to run. In police pursuit, the actor initiated gunfire which was returned by our officer striking him. We believe that the officers followed protocol and responded accordingly in a perilous situation. Our Department is working closely with the Allegheny County Homicide Division and the family of the actor to ensure a clear and thorough investigation is completed. It would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the increase in violence, specifically homicides over these past two years. In the Department’s consistency to be proactive, public safety forums were reinstated last year, been more vigilant working with residents to increase safety, and explore more options on how to address this epidemic. One of those options led to a new collaboration with the Allegheny County Health Department starting in 2020 using the CURE Violence model to stop the bleeding of gun violence in Wilkinsburg. As always, we will continue to protect, serve, and do what is best for our residents to maintain a safe environment at all times.”