Suspect dead, trooper hurt in shootout


STAFF REPORT

MERCER, Pa. — A man was killed and a Pennsylvania State Police trooper was wounded in a shootout about noon Friday in Delaware Township in Mercer County.

According to state police, two troopers went to 805 River Road to assist mental-health professionals who had asked for assistance in making contact with Walter J. McGarvey Jr., 45.

Troopers found McGarvey, who failed to respond to requests from the authorities.

Troopers used a Taser — a device that uses electrical current to disrupt the control of a person’s muscles — several times, but McGarvey continued to “act unruly,” according to a state police release.

McGarvey pulled out a pistol and fired at the troopers, who returned fire.

McGarvey was pronounced dead at the scene. One trooper was shot in the hand and was treated at Greenville Hospital and released.