STOWE TOWNSHIP, PA – The Allegheny County Police Department has charged Donald Reese, a 26-year-old from Zelienople, with a series of offenses following incidents that occurred on April 4.
The encounter began at 6:04 PM when an Allegheny County Housing Authority officer recognized and detained an individual for previously trespassing in the 200 block of Jefferson Drive. During this process, the officer attempted to engage with two accompanying persons, one of whom was identified as Donald Reese. When approached, Reese attempted to flee, brandishing a handgun at the officer, which led to a halt in the pursuit as Reese escaped the scene.
Subsequent investigation efforts by the Allegheny County Police Department’s General Investigations Unit and the Violent Crime and Firearms (VCF) team led to Reese’s sighting beside a residence. He attempted to flee again but was apprehended after dropping the firearm during the chase. A pre-existing warrant for Reese’s arrest on aggravated assault charges in Butler County further complicated his legal situation.
A disturbing aspect of the investigation revealed Reese’s coercion of a juvenile returning from football practice. Reese, having confronted the juvenile at gunpoint in the woods, forced him to his own home. There, Reese made several phone calls and demanded the juvenile enter the residence multiple times through a window to retrieve clothes for him.
