Columbiana County man threatens firefighters with gun, then shoots himself to death

Staff report

North Beaver, Pa.

A Columbiana County man killed himself today after threatening fire crews with a gun at the scene of a residential fire.

Ronald B. Covert, 53, of Taylor Road in Negley, Ohio, shot and killed himself this afternoon outside of 240 New Road in North Beaver Township, Lawrence County, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.

Just after 2 p.m. today, fire crews arrived at the residence, which was engulfed in flames.

As they attempted to extinguish the fire, Covert confronted the firefighters with a shotgun, not allowing them to approach the fire.

The state police were contacted and ordered Covert to drop the gun, at which time he shot himself, the police said.

He was declared dead at the scene by Lawrence County Coroner Rich Johnson.

It’s unclear why Covert was at the residence.

The Pennsylvania State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.