SWAT Team Needed To Subdue Armed Pittsburgh-Area Man

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, PA — An Allegheny County police SWAT team was called in after a knife-wielding man barricaded himself in his residence when township police attempted to serve an involuntary commitment order on him.

The incident on Linden Street in Harrison occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, police said. The SWAT team was requested after officers encountered the man, identified as Lonny Pittman, 47, inside the residence and he retreated into a bedroom armed with multiple knives.

Following negotiations, SWAT officers deployed an irritant into the home. Pittman exited and ran toward officers brandishing multiple knives. He was subdued with non-lethal means that included bean bag rounds and a Taser at 2:20 p.m.

Pittman was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. Police said he will be charged with four counts of aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer and four counts of resisting arrest.