Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Rep Exchanges Gunshots With Would-Be Robber During Mugging Near Capitol

Pennsylvania's state capitol became something out of the Wild West Tuesday when a state legislator exchanged gunfire with a would-be robber, city police said.

Rep. Marty Flynn, D-Lackawanna, and another lawmaker were walking along the 200 block of Herr Street -- just a few blocks from the state Capitol -- to their residence after a late dinner with other legislators when two males accosted them and demanded their wallets just before 11 p.m. Tuesday, police said.

One of the suspects even put a gun to the head of one of the victims, said investigators.

Flynn, a former Lackawanna County prison guard who is licensed to carry a handgun, quickly turned the table on the would-be thieves. He drew his pistol and fired during the attempted holdup.

At least one of the two would-be robbers was armed, police said, but neither Flynn nor the other lawmaker, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, was injured. It remained unclear who fired first and how many shots were fired.

Flynn and Bizzarro returned to the residence about four blocks from the Capitol that they share when the Legislature is in session. They called 911 and Flynn turned over his weapon to police, according to a statement posted on Flynn’s website.

"We are used to fighting for the people in our districts every day," Flynn, who was elected to office in 2012, said in the statement. "We certainly are going to stand up for ourselves and not become victims."

After the exchange of gunfire, the attackers and victims ran in different directions, Bill Patton, a spokesman for the House Democrats, said in a statement.

Harrisburg police arrested four juveniles between the ages of 15 and 17. Officers recovered a gun while arresting Jamani Ellison, 17, Jyair Leonard, 15, and Derek Anderson, 17, nearby.

The victims identified the boys as the suspects. Each faces adult charges of robbery, conspiracy and curfew violations.

A fourth boy, Zha-quan McGhee, 15, was arrested in his home following an investigation.

Investigators also linked the four boys to a mugging of other Capitol employees the previous evening, according to police.

All four face a slew of charges including criminal attempted homicide, conspiracy, robbery, aggravated assault and weapons charges as well, said police.

Lawmakers worked late Tuesday and another long day was anticipated Wednesday, the last scheduled session day before a new Legislature is elected on Nov. 4.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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