Man firing from roof fatally shot by state police in Indiana County

Police say a man who was firing at them during an assault investigation Sunday was fatally shot by state troopers in Indiana County.

Late Monday night, Indiana County Coroner Jerry Overman identified the man as Jonathan James Pearce Jr., 34.

Troopers were dispatched to the 3000 block of Dixonville Road in Grant around 5 p.m. Sunday, according to state police. They said they had received reports of a man firing shots in the area before fleeing to his nearby residence and starting a fire inside.

Pearce initiated an argument with a neighbor, later ramming his pick-up truck into the neighbor’s vehicle, according to Trooper Cliff Greenfield. Obtaining a rifle, Pearce fired multiple shots at four neighbors — two adults and two children, Greenfield said.

“We’re thankful that those individuals who were shot at were able to flee for their safety,” Greenfield said. “They were not injured.”

Pearce returned to his residence and a fire started shortly after, Greenfield said.

“There was smoke seen emanating from the structure” upon troopers’ arrival, he said.

Suspecting that Pearce had barricaded himself in his home, troopers formed a perimeter around the residence. Pearce climbed on the roof of the home and fired shots with a shotgun at police. Troopers returned fire, which fatally injured Pearce.

He died at 6:53 p.m. at his home, Overman’s report said Monday night.

Overman is conducting a psychological autopsy, examining Pearce’s background to determine a motive for his actions, Greenfield said.

The Marion Center Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the fire and the state police Fire Marshal Unit is investigating, Greenfield said. Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi’s Office also assisted at the scene.

Per state police policy, the troopers involved in the investigation at Dixonville Road have been placed on administrative duty.

Manzi’s office will investigate state police’s response to the incident, examining body camera footage and conducting interviews. This type of investigation typically takes four to six weeks, Manzi said.