Clairton man sentenced to up to 80 years for shooting Monroeville police officer and leading chase
GREENSBURG, PA – A Clairton man convicted of shooting a Monroeville police officer and leading police on a 30-mile pursuit across two counties has been sentenced to decades in prison, Westmoreland County prosecutors announced Thursday.
Bruce Alvarado, 40, was sentenced by Common Pleas Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio to serve 40 to 80 years in state prison. A jury convicted him in June on all counts following a nearly week-long trial.
Alvarado was charged in November 2023 after firing six shots into a Monroeville police cruiser. The officer inside was struck in the wrist and leg and required six months of recovery before returning to duty. Following the shooting, Alvarado led police on a chase that spanned approximately 30 miles before ending in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County.
He was found guilty of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, multiple firearm violations, fleeing and eluding police, receiving stolen property, unlawful restraint, and recklessly endangering another person.
District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli said the sentence reflects the severity of Alvarado’s violent actions and his extensive criminal history. Multiple agencies, including Westmoreland County Detectives, Pennsylvania State Police, and several local police departments, were involved in the pursuit and subsequent investigation.
The case is now closed with Alvarado serving what could amount to the rest of his life in prison.
——
Key Points
- Bruce Alvarado, 40, of Clairton, was sentenced to 40–80 years in prison for shooting a Monroeville officer and fleeing police.
- The officer suffered gunshot wounds to the wrist and leg and was off duty for six months.
- A jury found Alvarado guilty of attempted murder, aggravated assault, firearm offenses, and fleeing police.