Official: Shooting by cop was justified

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Police were justified in fatally shooting a man who fired first as they investigated a domestic disturbance call, the Allegheny County district attorney said.
"I'm confident that the police acted with extreme diligence in this matter," District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. said Friday. "Their actions were justified."
An audio recording from a police car revealed that Eugene Aiello, 31, shot Forest Hills Sgt. Edward Hinchey in the chest and groin Nov. 9. Aiello was seated inside his car when he fired at Hinchey.
Zappala played the tape at a news conference.
Hinchey then emptied two clips into Aiello, striking him about 10 times. Hinchey had reloaded because he still saw movement inside Aiello's car, Zappala said.
Other officers also fired, but only Hinchey's bullets struck him. Hinchey's vest stopped one bullet, but another struck his femoral artery and he may not return to work, Zappala said.
Aiello had beat his estranged wife in her apartment for two hours before she escaped with their 3-year-old daughter, Zappala said.
Hinchey stopped Aiello nearby in a car and tried to subdue him with pepper spray after he refused orders to turn the engine off and exit.
Zappala said he will not release the audio tape to Allegheny County Coroner Dr. Cyril Wecht, who wants to conduct an open inquest.
The two officials have been feuding over the power of their offices.