Just after midnight on February 28, 2022, Zone 5 officers began a response to Milgate Street for a shots fired call.

While enroute, officers heard a gunshot near West Penn Hospital. Subsequently, they were waved down by a bystander that reported a man with a gun was headed to a nearby gas station on the 4700 block of Liberty Avenue.

Witnesses at the business were able to confirm that the man had entered the store. Officers were able to detect a handgun on the suspect, later identified as Rodrick Dent of Bloomfield. As officers attempted to detain him, Dent assaulted officers and grabbed for the firearm. 

Officers utilized non-lethal force by deploying a Taser to take Dent into custody. 

Dent continued to resist responding officers as they escorted him out of the store to wait for medical evaluation. A supervisor responded to the scene. 

Medics were called to evaluate Dent and the officers. He was taken to a local hospital for medical examination and clearance.

There were no further injuries or property damage. The investigation is ongoing.

Dent is charged with Aggravated Assault, Strangulation, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief, Terroristic Threat, and Discharging a Firearm. He is in the Allegheny County Jail.