LOGIN

Manhunt Underway for Perpetrators in Pennsylvania Community Center Attack Leaving One Dead and Eight Injured

by Madison Thomas
10 comments
Pennsylvania community center shooting

Authorities have disclosed the identity of a man from the vicinity of Pittsburgh who was fatally shot in an attack that also left eight additional individuals injured. The incident occurred during a private gathering at a community center in Pennsylvania this past weekend.

The deceased has been confirmed as 22-year-old Jamar M. Porterfield Herriot Jr., a resident of Homestead. He was one of nine individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 23, who were targeted in the shooting around 12:35 a.m. on Sunday at the Chevy Chase Community Center, situated approximately 50 miles (or 80 kilometers) to the northeast of Pittsburgh.

Law enforcement agencies have stated that they believe multiple assailants were involved in the shooting. Officials are actively soliciting video footage from surveillance systems in the area, encouraging both residents and business owners to review their doorbell cameras. Moreover, they have requested that anyone with missing belongings, including cell phones and garments found at the site, reach out to them.

Herriot was pronounced dead at the location, while an 18-year-old male from Chicago is in critical condition. Others injured in the attack include another 18-year-old man from Florida and six individuals from Pennsylvania—three males aged 19, 20, and 22; two 19-year-old females; and a 23-year-old female, according to police reports.

Lt. Col. George Bivens reported that a barrage of gunfire erupted, potentially involving a gunfight within the premises. Individuals at the location sought refuge by leaping from windows and rushing out of doors. Numerous spent shell casings have been recovered, along with multiple firearms and other items such as clothing and mobile phones.

Over 150 attendees were estimated to be at the event, which had an admission fee. Authorities are in the process of identifying both the lessee of the facility and the event’s organizer, Bivens added.

Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers has issued a $10,000 reward for information that facilitates arrests and successful prosecution. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has also pledged an additional reward of up to $5,000.

The venue of the shooting is roughly 2 miles (about 3 kilometers) away from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which was celebrating its homecoming weekend. Thomas Segar, the university’s Vice President for Student Affairs, confirmed that two of the injured parties are enrolled students. Campus activities are proceeding, albeit with a bolstered security presence.

A vigil was held on Sunday evening at the steps of the county courthouse, located approximately one mile from the community center, as reported by The (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat. The gathering was attended by a diverse crowd, including university students, and was marked by emotional displays of support.

Founded in 1971 by an organization established two years prior with the aim of combating poverty and assisting the underserved, the Chevy Chase Community Center’s mission is to “foster, nourish, and perpetuate a harmonious and inclusive environment that unifies the community through positivity, diversity, education, nutrition, and love,” as stated on its website.

District Attorney Robert Manzi Jr., who also serves as a board member for the center, noted that the facility offers “nutritional sustenance and a sense of community for those in need.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pennsylvania community center shooting

What was the incident that occurred at the Pennsylvania community center?

A shooting occurred at the Chevy Chase Community Center in Pennsylvania, resulting in one fatality and eight other individuals being injured. The event was a private gathering and took place at approximately 12:35 a.m. on a Sunday.

Who was the victim that was fatally shot?

The victim who was fatally shot has been identified as 22-year-old Jamar M. Porterfield Herriot Jr., a resident of Homestead, Pennsylvania.

Are there any suspects in the case?

Law enforcement officials believe that multiple assailants were involved in the shooting. An active investigation is underway, including the review of surveillance footage and other potential evidence.

What steps are the authorities taking to identify the suspects?

Police are seeking surveillance video from local homes and businesses and are encouraging people to check their doorbell cameras. They are also asking people who are missing items such as cellphones or clothing to contact them. Rewards have been offered for information leading to arrests and prosecution.

Were there any other injuries apart from the fatality?

Yes, eight other individuals were injured in the incident. One 18-year-old male from Chicago is in critical condition. Other injured parties include another 18-year-old male from Florida and six individuals from Pennsylvania.

How many people were present at the event?

Lt. Col. George Bivens reported that over 150 people were estimated to be in attendance at the event, which required payment for entry.

Have any rewards been announced for information leading to arrests?

Yes, Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers has issued a $10,000 reward, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has offered an additional reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to arrests and successful prosecution.

What is the proximity of the shooting location to Indiana University of Pennsylvania?

The Chevy Chase Community Center, where the shooting occurred, is approximately 2 miles (about 3 kilometers) away from the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Were any university students involved in the incident?

Yes, the university’s Vice President for Student Affairs, Thomas Segar, confirmed that two of the injured individuals are enrolled students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

What is the Chevy Chase Community Center’s mission?

Founded in 1971, the Chevy Chase Community Center aims to “foster, nourish, and perpetuate a harmonious and inclusive environment” with a focus on combating poverty and assisting those in need.

More about Pennsylvania community center shooting

  • [Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers]
  • [Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives]
  • [Indiana University of Pennsylvania]
  • [The (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat]
  • [Chevy Chase Community Center Website]

You may also like

10 comments

AngelaM October 9, 2023 - 7:18 pm

The rewards are a good step. Hopefully, they’ll get some leads and catch those responsible.

Reply
SteveB October 9, 2023 - 11:48 pm

Over 150 ppl and nobody saw anything? Cmon now, someone knows something.

Reply
CollegeStudent22 October 10, 2023 - 6:39 am

I go to IUP and this has shaken us all. Campus security is up but it’s hard to shake off the fear.

Reply
Sarah_Quinn October 10, 2023 - 8:18 am

I can’t believe this happened so close to a university, during homecoming weekend no less. Students must be on edge.

Reply
LocalResident October 10, 2023 - 12:18 pm

That center was built to fight poverty and help ppl, not this. This is heartbreaking.

Reply
JohnDoe76 October 10, 2023 - 1:39 pm

Man, this is just tragic. When is this gonna stop? too many young lives are being lost and for what?

Reply
FinancialGuru October 10, 2023 - 1:48 pm

With all the tech we’ve got, they should be able to identify the perps soon. Surveillance, doorbell cams, theres gotta be something.

Reply
MomOfThree October 10, 2023 - 3:46 pm

My prayers are with all the families affected. It’s terrible to think you can’t even be safe in a community center.

Reply
Mike_the_Critic October 10, 2023 - 3:57 pm

Sad to see a place that’s meant to bring community together turn into a crime scene. what’s wrong with people?

Reply
Political_Jane October 10, 2023 - 6:18 pm

I hope this ramps up the conversation about gun control. We clearly need some changes.

Reply

Leave a Comment

BNB – Big Big News is a news portal that offers the latest news from around the world. BNB – Big Big News focuses on providing readers with the most up-to-date information from the U.S. and abroad, covering a wide range of topics, including politics, sports, entertainment, business, health, and more.

Editors' Picks

Latest News