Off-duty police officer injured in West Homestead crash and shootout

An off-duty police officer was injured Saturday evening in a vehicle crash during a shootout in West Homestead as he was driving home from work.

Allegheny County Police said authorities found the 27-year-old officer shortly after 7 p.m. at the scene of the crash along the 1000 block of Forest Avenue while responding to reports of gunshots and a vehicle crash. Police said the officer, who has not been identified, was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

According to police, the officer was driving home in his pick-up truck when it was sideswiped by a Volkswagen that was fleeing a third vehicle. The officer’s pick-up truck rolled over and crashed into a utility poll, while the Volkswagen crashed through a fence and into a tractor-trailer that was parked nearby.

Authorities believe the driver of the third vehicle stopped and fired shots at the 17-year-old.

The teenager, who was not identified, was taken to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg and injuries he suffered in the crash.

Police are looking for the unidentified gunman.

Anyone with information concerning the incident is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tipline at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (1-833-255-8477); callers can remain anonymous.