NORTH VERSAILLES, PA - Early morning on Friday, November 24th, a North Versailles police officer was shot by a suspect who has since been arrested.
WTAE reported that an hours-long manhunt led to the arrest of 46-year-old Ian Lamont Fields. Fields reportedly got into an argument with an unarmed individual before the initial 911 call for a domestic disturbance was made. The responding officer arrived on scene at approximately 3:39 a.m. and was shot by Fields.
The home was located in the 200 block of Arlington Avenue. According to CBS News, investigators said that Fields tried to force his way into the home of a woman he knew and opened fired. When officers arrived, they found Fields in the alley between Arlington and Delaware and between Wood and Elma.
Officers gave verbal commands, but Fields ignored them and instead, fired a weapon at them. The officers did fire back. Allegheny County police said that one officer was struck in the hand and another bullet grazed his cheek.
According to Christopher Kearns, superintendent of the Allegheny County police, "There were shots fired outside of the residence. When officers responded, they located a suspect in the alley in the rear of the 200 block of Arlington Avenue. When they encountered the suspect, he did not follow the officers' commands, produced a handgun and fired shots at the officers."
Kearns added, "One of the North Versailles officers was wounded by this gunfire. The officers returned fire and the suspect fled on foot." After receiving the 911 call, the dispatcher announced via police radio, "Female reporting male outside shooting a gun. She says that he just left her apartment and he's shooting off a gun, walking around."
The dispatcher later added, "She said that the male broke in to her place, broke a glass door, came in, got his gun and the left on food. Fired off four rounds outside."
Fields fled the scene on foot, but was taken into custody within a few hours. Authorities said that he will face charges of four counts of criminal attempt homicide, four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of assault on law enforcement officer, two counts of criminal mischief, one count of persons not to possess a firearm, one count of evading arrest, and one count of receiving stolen property.
Fields was taken into custody around 8:30 a.m., on Friday, November 24th, after a nearly five-hour search. Police said that Fields was shot once in his lower right leg during the initial exchange with officers and he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of that injury.
Four officers initially responded to the 911 call. All four officers are currently on administrative leave, which is protocol following an officer-involved shooting. Investigators have not released any of the officers' names, including the officer that was shot.
Kearns said in a statement, "It's difficult for the officers of the department, difficult for our detectives who have to investigate this matter. But, it's an important incident and we have to do our best."
The officer who was shot in the gunfire exchange was taken to UPMC McKeesport to be treated for his injuries. Assistant Chief Norman Locke, of North Versailles police said, "I can release that the officer is at home resting with his family. He was shot in his left hand and in his cheek."
In a post on X, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said, "Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe every day. That doesn't stop during the holidays. Lori and I are grateful and relieved the officer shot in North Versailles early this morning is on his way to recovery. We're thankful for your service."
Locke thanked county police and police from neighboring communities for their assistance, adding, "Our officers, just like any officers in this area, need to be aware constantly that they are in danger and to remain vigilant while they're out there."
WTAE reported that an hours-long manhunt led to the arrest of 46-year-old Ian Lamont Fields. Fields reportedly got into an argument with an unarmed individual before the initial 911 call for a domestic disturbance was made. The responding officer arrived on scene at approximately 3:39 a.m. and was shot by Fields.
The home was located in the 200 block of Arlington Avenue. According to CBS News, investigators said that Fields tried to force his way into the home of a woman he knew and opened fired. When officers arrived, they found Fields in the alley between Arlington and Delaware and between Wood and Elma.
Officers gave verbal commands, but Fields ignored them and instead, fired a weapon at them. The officers did fire back. Allegheny County police said that one officer was struck in the hand and another bullet grazed his cheek.
According to Christopher Kearns, superintendent of the Allegheny County police, "There were shots fired outside of the residence. When officers responded, they located a suspect in the alley in the rear of the 200 block of Arlington Avenue. When they encountered the suspect, he did not follow the officers' commands, produced a handgun and fired shots at the officers."
Kearns added, "One of the North Versailles officers was wounded by this gunfire. The officers returned fire and the suspect fled on foot." After receiving the 911 call, the dispatcher announced via police radio, "Female reporting male outside shooting a gun. She says that he just left her apartment and he's shooting off a gun, walking around."
The dispatcher later added, "She said that the male broke in to her place, broke a glass door, came in, got his gun and the left on food. Fired off four rounds outside."
Fields fled the scene on foot, but was taken into custody within a few hours. Authorities said that he will face charges of four counts of criminal attempt homicide, four counts of aggravated assault, four counts of assault on law enforcement officer, two counts of criminal mischief, one count of persons not to possess a firearm, one count of evading arrest, and one count of receiving stolen property.
Fields was taken into custody around 8:30 a.m., on Friday, November 24th, after a nearly five-hour search. Police said that Fields was shot once in his lower right leg during the initial exchange with officers and he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment of that injury.
Four officers initially responded to the 911 call. All four officers are currently on administrative leave, which is protocol following an officer-involved shooting. Investigators have not released any of the officers' names, including the officer that was shot.
Kearns said in a statement, "It's difficult for the officers of the department, difficult for our detectives who have to investigate this matter. But, it's an important incident and we have to do our best."
The officer who was shot in the gunfire exchange was taken to UPMC McKeesport to be treated for his injuries. Assistant Chief Norman Locke, of North Versailles police said, "I can release that the officer is at home resting with his family. He was shot in his left hand and in his cheek."
In a post on X, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said, "Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to keep us safe every day. That doesn't stop during the holidays. Lori and I are grateful and relieved the officer shot in North Versailles early this morning is on his way to recovery. We're thankful for your service."
Locke thanked county police and police from neighboring communities for their assistance, adding, "Our officers, just like any officers in this area, need to be aware constantly that they are in danger and to remain vigilant while they're out there."
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