Police investigate two shootings in Uniontown

One man was killed and two others injured in two separate shootings in Uniontown on Tuesday afternoon.

Tom Kolencik, spokesman for the Uniontown Police Department, said officers were initially called to the 30 block of Dunlap Street shortly after 2 p.m., where they found Joshua Stevens with numerous gunshot wounds.

Stevens, 33, of Uniontown, was taken to WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:27 p.m., according to Fayette County Coroner Dr. Bob Baker.

“All we know at this point in our investigation is that there was some sort of physical altercation prior to the shooting,” Kolencik said.

Kolencik is asking anyone with information to contact the department. According to Kolencik, it is possible that there were multiple witnesses to the shooting.

“Everyone fled after the shooting. We would like to speak to anyone who happened to be there, even if they were not directly involved. Anything would help at this point,” Kolencik said.

Kolencik said he knew Stevens’ family personally and described them as involved in the community.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and our goal is to bring justice to him and his family,” Kolencik said.

Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele said they have identified a vehicle and suspect that may have been involved. Aubele said some witnesses have described Stevens as the attacker.

“It is too early to tell, but the suspect did not stay at the scene and obviously did not turn himself in. The best thing the suspect can do is turn himself in to the police and tell us his side of the story,” Aubele said.

At around 3:30 p.m., police heard several gunshots near the scene of the fatal shooting.

“It was very close to where we were conducting our investigation,” Kolencik said.

According to state police, the shooting occurred at the intersection of Liberty and Varndell Streets. Officers were stopped near the intersection of Carlisle Street and Searight Avenue, where a vehicle was parked with two men who were injured in the shooting.

“They eventually drove to the first crime scene,” Aubele said.

Police said the vehicle was struck by multiple bullets. The men were taken to Uniontown Hospital and are currently in stable condition. Officials have not yet identified the shooting victims.

Aubele acknowledged that Uniontown residents are concerned because the two shootings occurred in broad daylight and close in time and space.

“I’m sure the community is very disappointed and concerned. I am too. I was there when it happened. We are very aware of the problems in the city. While I don’t think violence is increasing, there is a history and a propensity for violence. Especially in this part of the city,” Aubele said.

Uniontown police continue to investigate the shooting of Stevens, while state police are leading the investigation into the second shooting. It was not immediately clear if the incidents are related.

State police are asking anyone with information to contact the Uniontown barracks at 724-439-7111. No charges were filed in either incident before Wednesday’s deadline.

“This will not be ignored. It will be addressed,” said Aubele. “With a thorough investigation and consequences for those responsible.”