Alleged cop killer also charged in dispute that led to it
NEW FLORENCE (AP) – A man jailed on charges he fatally shot a Western Pennsylvania police officer has also been charged in a related domestic dispute and with stealing a vehicle while he eluded police for several hours afterward.
The defense attorney for 31-year-old Ray Shetler Jr. didn’t immediately return a call for comment Wednesday, when state police filed the new charges.
Shetler was arrested about 3 a.m. Nov. 29, ending a six-hour manhunt following the shooting of St. Clair township Office Lloyd Reed.
The 54-year-old officer was the first to arrive when Shetler’s girlfriend called 911 to report he assaulted her.
Westmoreland County authorities say Shetler exited the New Florence house with a rifle and shot Lloyd, who fired at Shetler after he refused to drop the gun.
Authorities say Friday’s preliminary hearing on the homicide charge will be rescheduled.