Officers shoot man in Cranberry Township after weapons and disturbing notes sparked a large-scale search, police say

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) – Officers shot and killed a man who allegedly had weapons and disturbing notes in his vehicle, prompting a large-scale search and stay-at-home order for all Cranberry Township residents Tuesday afternoon.

The police chief said Cranberry Highlands Golf Course employees received the call after seeing a broken-down car with weapons inside and a man who was not fully conscious on Turfgrass Drive, a corner of Freshcorn Road – a private road.

“Our officers arrived there a short time later. The vehicle was unoccupied and there were weapons inside,” Cranberry Township Police Chief Kevin Meyer said Tuesday evening. “As they searched the vehicle, secured the contents and prepared it for towing, they found some disturbing notes inside the vehicle that led us to believe this individual was intent on harming himself or others.”

Police initially said 37-year-old Logan Cumberland of Ellwood City was found dead in the woods, but declined to provide further details. In an update Wednesday, Pennsylvania State Police said officers found him in the woods near the golf course, confronted him and shot him.

The KDKA-TV crew heard several gunshots, and neighbors told KDKA-TV’s Jennifer Borrasso they also heard gunshots.

At around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Cranberry Township Police Department asked all residents to stay safe and lock their doors while officers searched for a “suspicious person.” There was a heavy police presence, and officers with guns drawn guarded the area around the golf course, which was closed off.

The curfew was lifted around 3:30 p.m. when police said there was no longer an active threat. The man the search was for was found dead in the woods, but police are not disclosing whether he was shot by officers or shot himself. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating how he died.

“We are grateful to the community for their support and patience that we have had during this situation,” Meyer said. “Hopefully they understand that this was a police action that required the necessary closures and blockages of roads, parks and golf courses. Now everything is back open and the community is safe.”

Meyers said the man was not from Cranberry and was staying at a motel south of the area. Police said they also found a note at the motel, adding they are investigating whether he may have threatened a local hospital.

His vehicle was towed from the scene of the accident.

The police did not reveal what was written on the notes or what weapons were in the car.