A Braddock man was shot in the hand early Sunday morning by a Homestead police officer who was investigating a shoplifting incident along East 8th Avenue.
Homestead police were dispatched to the 200 block of the Homestead roadway shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday for a report of shoplifting, according to Allegheny County police.
Officers found Mitchell Johnson, 20, of Braddock — who they believed to be involved in the shoplifting — in the 800 block of Amity Street, about a half mile from East 8th Avenue. Johnson fled from the area when officers attempted to stop him, county police said.
Officers found Johnson in an alley near East Hazel Way. Johnson shot at the officers, and one of the officers returned fire — striking Johnson’s hand. No officers were injured.
Johnson was arrested and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, county police said. He is charged with attempted homicide, assault of a law enforcement officer and carrying a firearm without a license.
Homestead police will determine the status of the officer who fired at Johnson. A request for comment was not immediately returned by Homestead police Sunday morning.
Allegheny County Police are assisting in the investigation. Anyone with information can call 1-833-ALL-TIPs to reach the county police tip line. Callers can remain anonymous.
