Mysterious gunshots at Harrison Hi-Rise 'scary' for residents

A group of residents outside the Harrison Hi-Rise on Monday afternoon believe gunmen were sending a message when at least seven bullets whizzed into the building just before 5 a.m. the previous day.

“If it’s kids shooting, I don’t think they’d use sniper bullets that go through concrete,” said one resident who declined to give his name.

Resident Don Austin said he was concerned for neighbors who were startled from bed by the crashing sound of glass being shattered from windows and doors.

“I’m not scared in the least,” said Austin, who served in the Army National Guard for six years. “If the good Lord wants me to get hit by a bullet, then it’s gonna happen. I don’t want it to, but I’m not gonna live in fear.”

The shooters remain at large.

Allegheny County Police are investigating after, they say, bullets were fired about 4:30 a.m. Sunday into the property along Broadview Boulevard in the township’s Natrona Heights section.

A 73-year-old victim was found with minor injuries after being hit with debris as a result of the gunfire. The victim was treated by EMS at the scene and released.

Police said evidence of rifle and pistol fire was found about 100 yards away, across Freeport Road at the corner of Westminster Alley and Harvard Avenue, behind McDonald’s and the Allegheny Valley Association of Churches.

County police on Monday did not say exactly how many shots were fired into the building or whether any suspects had been identified. They said the shooting appears to be random.

“We were taken aback by this. It is extremely out of character for that location,” said Mike Vogel, chief of police for the Allegheny County Housing Authority. “We think it was an isolated incident, and we want people to know we don’t believe there is any threat.”

Vogel said he is thankful no one was seriously injured. He is baffled by the incident and said he can’t recall ever making any arrests at the property.

“It’s a secure building, but we, of course, will look at any measures we can do to enhance everyone’s security,” he said. “I have to think it was just an unfortunate random event.”

At least two residents detailed bullets darting overhead, awakening them from sleep. The bullets, they said, careened through blinds, closets and walls.

Lt. Jason Binder, spokesman for the Allegheny County Police, said detectives are investigating, and information will be released when appropriate.

Karen Snair, executive director at the Association of Churches, said her staff only became aware of the incident when Harrison police reached out to review security camera footage.

“They came this morning and downloaded video that showed people in the alley behind our main ministry center at around 4:30 yesterday morning,” Snair said. “It truly is scary.”

The Harrison Hi-Rise is operated by the county housing authority. There are 102 units in the eight-story building.

Executive Director Frank Aggazio did not immediately respond to requests for comment, nor did Housing Authority Vice Chairperson Sara Innamorato, who serves as state representative in the 21st District.

Property Manager Michelle Fidei said she could not comment on measures to enhance security. She was inundated with stories of what happened, she said, and was waiting for the county to supply her with accurate details.

“For today, I’m acting as a shoulder to lean on if anyone needs it,” Fidei said.

A woman who has lived in the high-rise for eight years said she heard the glass breaking in her neighbor’s unit. The resident declined to give her name but said she has lived in Natrona Heights long before moving into the apartment building and she was surprised by the violent act.

“Nothing like this has happened here that I know of,” she said. “I just hope they don’t come back.”

Harrison police Chief Brian Turack said his officers are assisting the county with the investigation.

He asked anyone who saw anything to contact the county tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

“We also request that residents be on the lookout for suspicious activity in that area and report it right away to police,” Turack said.