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Sheriff's deputy credited with diffusing downtown shooting; Suspects' names released

PITTSBURGH — Although he doesn’t want to be called a hero, police are crediting Allegheny County Sheriff’s deputy Sgt. Kevin Faulds with diffusing a shooting in downtown Pittsburgh on Friday.

Hundreds of people were leaving work late Friday afternoon when, according to police, two people were shot on the corner of Fifth and Wood streets.

Faulds said he was nearby when he heard the gunshots and saw people starting to run every which way, looking terribly frightened.

“For half a second, I thought maybe it was the new construction being done at PNC down on the corner of Wood,” said Faulds.

Faulds said he ran toward the shots and saw at least five men and two women fighting.

"We're taught to react now, not wait and react. I did what I was trained to do," said Faulds. “When I got up close, I saw him firing his weapon.”

As he reached the scene, Faulds got out his gun, ordered everyone to the ground, confiscated their weapons and kept them there until police arrived.

Police arrested Hassan Howze and Antonio Peterson at the scene.  Both are now in Allegheny County Jail.

Investigators said the fight started over money and then escalated into gunfire.

Authorities said two people were taken to hospitals with gunshot wounds, but no bystanders were hurt.

"It's a miracle nobody got hit," said Faulds. "There's officers every day right now who are fighting against guys who have weapons and are trying to use them against them."