Suspect shoots at state trooper
A state trooper was nearly shot early this morning after responding to a domestic dispute in Summit Township. State police were called to the 84 hundred block of Pagan Road at 11pm Wednesday night. Police say 42 year old Richard Vargo refused to come outside and threatened to harm himself and police if they tried to arrest him. State police called in their Special Emergency Response Team who set up a perimeter around the house. Just after midnight, Vargo came out of the house and refused police orders to get on the ground. Vargo then reportedly turned and fired a shot from a handgun he was carrying. The bullet struck Trooper Joseph Shorts flashlight that was hanging from his hip. Police did not return fire but chased Vargo a short distance.
Vargo then turned the gun on himself. He was rushed to Hamot Medical Center where he died while undergoing treatment.
Trooper Short did not require any medical attention.
