Allegheny County

Homeowner Shoots, Kills Man Who Attempted to Steal Down Spouts

Authorities are trying to determine whether a Pittsburgh-area homeowner will face criminal charges for fatally shooting a man who was allegedly stealing downspouts of his house.

Allegheny County detectives aren't identifying the 62-year-old North Braddock homeowner. The county medical examiner says that 44-year-old Alan Lamont White, of Wilkinsburg, died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police say White didn't flee after the homeowner dialed 911 around 1 a.m. Tuesday and then confronted White with a gun. Instead, they say, White moved toward the homeowner before the homeowner fired.

County detectives are consulting with the district attorney to determine whether the shooting was justified under the state's "castle doctrine," which allows people to defend themselves with deadly force in their own homes.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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