Western, Pa. man commits suicide during standoff

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Police say a western Pennsylvania man fatally shot himself to end a brief standoff that began as a dispute with his live-in girlfriend.

Greensburg police say 30-year-old Christopher Spohn was armed and refused to come out of his home, about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh early today.

Police were called shortly before 12:30 a.m. and phoned Spohn, but say he refused to talk or negotiate with them. Capt. George Seranko says Spohn was distraught over the pending breaking up with 31-year-old girlfriend.

The woman and their 2-year-old son left the residence by the time police arrived.

Police heard a gunshot about a half-hour later and found Spohn had shot himself in the head.