GREENSBURG, Pa. — A Westmoreland County jury has found Bruce Alvarado, 40, of Clairton, guilty on all counts in connection with the November 2023 shooting of a Monroeville police officer and a subsequent multi-county police chase, District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced Friday.
After a nearly week-long trial, the jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning a guilty verdict. Alvarado was convicted of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault, prohibited possession of a firearm, fleeing police, receiving stolen property, unlawful restraint, and related charges.
The charges stem from an incident in which Alvarado fired six shots into the police cruiser of Monroeville Police Officer Craig Huhn, striking the officer in the wrist and leg. Officer Huhn survived the attack but was sidelined from duty for six months due to his injuries.
The shooting led to a roughly 30-mile pursuit spanning two counties, ending in Allegheny Township in Westmoreland County, where Alvarado was taken into custody. Authorities said Alvarado was illegally in possession of a firearm at the time and had no license to carry.
Officer recovery and coordinated police response
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Adam Barr and Jeremy Mains. District Attorney Ziccarelli credited the successful outcome to their professionalism and to the extensive cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies.
“This was a case that emphasized order versus chaos, good versus evil, and where justice truly prevails,” Ziccarelli said. “Monroeville Police Officer Craig Huhn embodies the courage and selflessness it takes to be an officer of the law, and we thank him and all of the responding officers for continuing to protect and serve.”
Law enforcement agencies involved in the response and investigation included Westmoreland County Detectives, the Allegheny Township Police Department, Monroeville Police Department, and several others from surrounding municipalities.
Alvarado’s sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Bruce Alvarado now faces years in state prison after being convicted in a high-profile case involving the shooting of a police officer and a county-spanning pursuit.
