Man shot multiple times while trying to force his way into car outside UPMC McKeesport hospital

McKEESPORT, Pa. — A man is in critical condition and on a ventilator at UPMC Presbyterian after being shot multiple times outside of the emergency room entrance at UPMC McKeesport Hospital.

>>PHOTOS FROM THE SCENE<<<

Police say the driver of a white car was parked outside the ER, just after 3 a.m., waiting to pick up a family member, when the stranger approached the car.

“As they pulled into the parking space, they were approached by the adult male victim who attempted to enter into the vehicle from the passenger’s side,” Lt. Nando Costa with the Allegheny County Police Department said. “That’s when the individual inside the vehicle pulled out their firearm and fired multiple times outside of the vehicle.”

Allegheny County Police say a UPMC Police Officer who was in the Emergency Department, heard the shots and ran outside. He fired his gun multiple times, but the preliminary investigation shows that he did not hit anyone.

The uncle of the man who was shot says he lives right across the street. For his safety, he did not want to be identified, but he says he disputes what police are saying about his nephew trying to get into the car.

“I was looking out of the window when I heard the gunshots,” he says. “I pulled the binoculars out and saw the two men and realized it was my nephew.

He says he doesn’t understand why the driver would shoot outside the car at his nephew so many times while sitting in the driver’s seat.

“He was in his vehicle. You could hear the shots, 9-10. Then you hear him say ‘I’m not playing with you.’”

Crime scene tape blocked the entrance to the Emergency Room early Tuesday morning and more than 30 evidence markers were placed in the parking lot. The ER has since reopened, but Magee Women’s Specialty Services, which is located just inside the doors near the ER, was closed for the day because of damage done during the shooting.

Allegheny County Police say they are still reviewing surveillance video, ballistic evidence and witness statements as part of their investigation. Detectives say the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office will determine whether any charges are filed.

UPMC shared the following statement with Channel 11 News:

“An incident involving two individuals occurred outside the Emergency Department at UPMC McKeesport. The incident escalated with shots fired and one of the individuals involved struck. UPMC Police in the ED responded swiftly to help contain the incident to the parking lot, aiding local police in apprehending the individual responsible. No one else was injured.”

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