Police shot, killed man in South Side Slopes as he reached into trunk, officials say

A Pittsburgh police officer fatally shot a 26-year-old man as he was reaching into the trunk of his vehicle, which contained two rifles, according to Allegheny County Police

The unidentified officer shot and killed Austyn Cousins early Wednesday in the South Sides Slopes section of Pittsburgh.

Cousins initially followed instructions when the officer found him near his vehicle on Huron Street, officials said.

Police initially responded to a 1:38 a.m notification that seven shots had been fired in the 1900 block of Huron Street.

Cousins told the officer there were guns in the trunk, which was open.

A few moments later, county police said, Cousins “abruptly moved towards the trunk of his vehicle.”

The officer yelled for him to step away, and when Cousins reached into the trunk, the officer shot him multiple times.

Additional police officers arrived and performed CPR, and Cousins was taken to UPMC Mercy hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said Cousins was shot by “law enforcement officer(s)” around 1:49 a.m.

Detectives found the two rifles in Cousins’ trunk after obtaining a search warrant. Several bullet holes were also discovered inside Cousins’ home, along with 11 other guns.

Pittsburgh police will determine the status of the police officer who shot Cousins, according to their policies and procedures, Allegheny County Police said. The county is still actively investigating.

The case will eventually be turned over to the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office to determine if the use of force was justified.

Anyone with information is asked to call the county police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (255-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.