DA rules deadly force justified in Derry Township police shooting
DERRY TOWNSHIP, PA — The fatal police shooting of a 28-year-old man who fired at officers during a tense domestic incident in Westmoreland County has been ruled justified, according to a decision announced Thursday by District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli.
The shooting occurred on the evening of November 15, 2025, when Latrobe Police and Pennsylvania State Police responded to reports of an active domestic disturbance and shots fired at a residence on James Street. Upon arrival, officers found the victim safe in a nearby home while the suspect, Ryan Huinker, remained inside his residence and was believed to be armed.
State troopers and Latrobe officers surrounded the home and made contact with Huinker, who emerged onto the front porch about 15 minutes later. Officers instructed him to keep his hands up, but Huinker yelled profanities and told police to shoot him, according to investigators.
As Huinker became increasingly agitated, an officer stationed behind him spotted a gun in his waistband and alerted the team. When Huinker turned to retreat into the residence, a trooper deployed a taser, momentarily incapacitating him.
However, when officers moved in to detain him, Huinker reached for his gun and fired in the direction of two officers. Police returned fire, striking Huinker. He was later pronounced dead.
The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office conducted a full review of evidence, reports, and witness statements. The DA determined that the use of force was lawful under Section 508 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, which allows deadly force when there is an immediate threat of serious bodily harm or death.
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Key Points
- Ryan Huinker, 28, fired at officers during a domestic incident in Derry Township on November 15
- Officers returned fire after Huinker reached for a gun and discharged it toward police
- The Westmoreland County District Attorney ruled the use of deadly force was justified