Suspect fatally shot by a law-enforcement officer near Route 30 in North Huntingdon, investigation continues

A law enforcement officer fatally shot a suspect in North Huntingdon on Tuesday afternoon while agents with the state Attorney General’s Office were conducting a narcotics investigation, according to officials.

The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office released a joint statement on behalf of the state police that said that, after the state police finish investigating, the district attorney’s office “will ultimately determine if the use of deadly force was justified.”

Authorities did not say what agency or department the law enforcement officer works for.

The statement said no officers were injured.

The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office is assisting in the investigation. Cause and manner of death will be determined after further investigation and autopsy results.

Trooper Tristan Tappe said authorities were gathering details about the shooting.

State Attorney General’s Office spokesman Brett Hambright called it a “law enforcement-involved shooting.”

“Agents discharged their weapons,” he said. “The suspect’s whereabouts are accounted for.”

A large contingent of police cars was parked in front of the Huntingdon Inn Motel, including agents from the state Attorney General’s Office and local departments. It was unclear what preceded the shooting just before 2 p.m. west of the intersection of Carpenter Lane and Route 30.

The situation affected Route 30 traffic for more than an hour.

Authorities asked motorists to avoid the area.

By 2:40 p.m., township police said the situation was “under control” but provided no other details.

There were numerous state and local police vehicles parked outside the motel after the highway reopened and remained there sometime after 7:45 p.m.

Stewartsville Elementary School on Carpenter Lane was placed on a modified lockdown after the district was notified by township police of a “community threat” in the area, according to a message from Norwin Superintendent Jeff Taylor to parents. The district delayed student dismissal from the high school for a time.

Investigators expected to be on scene for several hours, Tappe said. Authorities could release more information Wednesday, she said.

The motel is owned by Hitesh Mehta, who purchased it in 2007, according to documents filed with the Westmoreland County Recorder of Deeds. Mehta could not be reached for comment Tuesday afternoon.