Austyn Cousins Obituary – A man lost his life after being shot by police officers who were responding to a report of shots fired in Pittsburgh’s South Side Slopes neighborhood. The incident occurred at approximately 1:40 a.m. on Huron Street. Upon receiving a ShotSpotter notification, Pittsburgh police were dispatched to the scene. Responding officers confirmed the presence of gunfire and subsequently shot a man.
Assistant Superintendent Victor Joseph of the Allegheny County Police stated that the officers encountered a male individual in the vicinity. At 1:49 a.m., an officer alerted others of the shots fired, and the man was found injured.
The responding officers immediately provided medical assistance and transported the man to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner identified the deceased as 26-year-old Austyn Cousins.
When questioned about whether Cousins had fired at the police, Joseph responded that the investigation is ongoing and that the circumstances leading to the encounter are yet to be determined.
Fortunately, no officers were harmed during the incident. Witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots, a verbal altercation, and subsequent gunfire. The neighborhood, typically known for its tranquility, was described as chaotic by residents.
The exact number of shots fired by the police and the involvement of Pittsburgh Police officers remain unclear. As a result, one police officer has been placed on administrative leave while the Allegheny County Police conduct their investigation.
Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage that may assist in the investigation to contact the county tip line at 833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can choose to remain anonymous.