BREAKING: Heavy Police Presence on Perry and East 7th Streets – Erie News Now

BREAKING: Heavy Police Presence on Perry and East 7th Streets  Erie News Now

Witnesses reported seeing a man firing a handgun outside the residence before entering the home. Two women were initially found dead in the street. ERIE, Pa. — More than five people, including children, are dead following a shooting and standoff on Perry Street in the City of Erie Friday night, though police have not yet released a final death toll. The suspected shooter was among those found dead. Police said he was discovered inside the home at 722 Perry St. with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There is no ongoing threat to the public. Officers first responded to the 700 block of Perry Street around 5 p.m. following 911 calls reporting shots fired outside.

Erie police and the department’s SWAT team surrounded the residence as the situation developed into a standoff. Officers repeatedly used a loudspeaker to order the man inside to surrender. Additional gunshots were heard during the standoff. Police later entered the home and found more victims in different areas of the residence, including children. Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the scene as one of the most difficult and heartbreaking his officers and investigators have encountered. “The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” Lorah said. Mayor Daria Devlin also issued a statement Friday night, calling