Greensburg, PA -- On November 3, 2022, multiple police departments from Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties were involved in a pursuit and subsequent officer-involved shooting. Richland Township Police in Cambria County obtained an arrest warrant for Krysten Pretlor, 35, following a felony domestic violence incident involving a gun.  

While searching for Pretlor, he fled in a white BMW sedan and would not comply with commands to stop, which prompted police to pursue the vehicle through various roadways in Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties.

Reports indicate Pretlor was driving in excess of 100 miles per hour during the 45-mile pursuit.
Pennsylvania State Police Troop A Indiana picked up the pursuit on Route 22 near Blairsville, along with an on-duty Blairsville Borough police officer.
The pursuit came to an end on Route 22 near Rushwood Road in Derry Township when Pretlor made a U-turn in an attempt to head east on Route 22.
Troopers used a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to end the pursuit.
During this maneuver, Pretlor intentionally rammed his BMW sedan into an unmarked state police cruiser.
Witnesses and video showed Pretlor point a firearm in the direction of state police. Upon engaging with troopers, gunfire was exchanged between officers and Pretlor. Evidence shows Pretlor fired multiple rounds from inside and outside of his vehicle toward troopers. Pretlor succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Troopers recovered a stolen 9mm handgun from Pretlor, with additional ammunition discovered in his possession. The slide on the handgun was locked back, indicative of being fired until the magazine was empty. 

In Pennsylvania, the use of deadly force by a law enforcement officer is governed by Section 508 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code. A law enforcement officer is “justified in using deadly force only when he believes that such force is necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury to himself or such other person...” 18 Pa.C.S.A. §508(a). In addition, the use of deadly force by law enforcement officers is justified to defeat...the escape of a person who possesses a deadly weapon, or otherwise indicates that he will endanger human life or inflict serious bodily injury unless arrested without delay. 18 Pa.C.S.A. §508(a)(1)(i)(ii).

Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli reviewed multiple videos, reports, witness interviews and evidence gathered from the scene and has determined the use of deadly force was justified.