At 7:00 a.m. EST on April 4, 2009, 23-year-old Richard Poplawski was arrested and charged with the shooting deaths of three police officers in Stanton Heights, PA, after a four-hour standoff. The incident was reportedly preceded by a fight between Poplawski and his mother, Margaret Poplawski, during which she threatened to kick him out of her home because his dog had urinated on the floor.Salon.com: Fight over urinating dog got police to Pa. ambush (April 5, 2009) During the fight, the mother placed a call to police, and when they arrived, Poplawski was reportedly "lying in wait," armed and wearing a bullet-proof vest.Associated Press: Gunman 'lying in wait' kills 3 (April 4, 2009)
The Stand-off
Police received a domestic disturbance call around 7:00 a.m. EST on April 4, 2009, by the mother of 23-year-old Richard Poplawski. When the two officers responding to the call, Stephen Mayhle and Paul Sciullo III, arrived at the Poplawski residence, they were greeted by Richard Poplawski, who immediately opened fire, shooting both officers in the head. A third officer, Eric Kelly, responded to the call just as he was finishing his shift and went to help his fallen comrades only to be shot and killed alongside them.MSNBC: Police: 3 officers killed in Pa. shooting (April 4, 2009)
Richard Poplawski proceeded to engage police in a four-hour stand-off that resulted in over 100 gunshots being fired. Poplawski, who had in his possession an AK-47 rifle and several handguns, wore a bulletproof vest, but was shot several times in the leg. He was taken into custody after surrendering to police at 11:00 a.m. EST, and was charged with three counts of homicide, aggravated assault and a weapons violation.MSNBC: Police: 3 officers killed in Pa. shooting (April 4, 2009)
Gun Ban Concerns
According to friends, Richard Poplawski was upset over losing his job at a glass factory at the beginning of the year. They also said he feared that the Obama Administration was set to ban guns, thus infringing on his rights. Poplawski, who opened fire on police officers early Saturday morning, had in his possession an AK-47 rifle, a .357 Magnum and several other high-powered handguns. The Houston Chronicle: Police official: 3 officers killed in Pa. shooting (April 4, 2009)
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Richard Poplawski News and Information
- Google Map: 1016 Fairfield Street, Stanton Heights, PA
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- Salon.com: Fight over urinating dog got police to Pa. ambush (April 5, 2009)
- Post-Gazette Pittsburgh: As Many As Four Officers Wounded in Stanton Heights... (April 4, 2009)
- The New York Times: Gunman Kills Police Officers in Pittsburgh (April 4, 2009)
- KDKA.com: Officers Shot In Stanton Heights On Fairfield Street (April 4, 2009)
- UPI.com: Four Officers Shot in Pittsburgh Standoff (April 4, 2009)
References
Fast Facts
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Gunman barricaded himself in a house on 1016 Fairfield Street in the Stanton Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Date of incident
April 4, 2009
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Gunman was identified as 23-year-old Richard Poplawski
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Incident began when police responded to a call from Poplawski's mother regarding a domestic disputeMSNBC: Police: 3 officers killed in Pa. shooting (April 4, 2009)
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Poplawski's mother remained locked in the basement during the incident and was unharmedMSNBC: Police: 3 officers killed in Pa. shooting (April 4, 2009)
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Shooting began at 7
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Standoff came to an end at around 11
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Neighbor said she spoke to Poplawski on the phone during the standoff; he said he had been shot in the leg and chestPost-Gazette Pittsburgh: As Many As Four Officers Wounded in Stanton Heights... (April 4, 2009)
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