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Man at large after Altoona police incident considered armed and dangerous

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect details provided by Altoona Police Chief Joseph Merrill.

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) – Police are on the lookout for a man accused of pulling a gun on two people in a home along Pleasant Valley Boulevard Thursday.

Robert Kearney, 48 (photo via Altoona Police Department)

On the night of March 23, Altoona police were told 48-year-old Robert Eric Kearney, a wanted state parole absconder who was released from state prison in August 2021, pointed a loaded gun at two people inside a home along the 100 block of Pleasant Valley Boulevard, a woman and a juvenile. It’s alleged he refused to let them leave and continued to threaten to shoot and kill them. Eventually, the woman and juvenile were able to quietly exit the home and run to safety.

The responding officers got no response at the house and were unsure if he was still inside. The incident caused road closures from the area of Family Pizza down to Courtesy Ford.

The Altoona Police Department tactical team arrived to clear the house and discovered the man had fled. The department was also assisted by Logan Township police, Blair County Sheriff’s Office, AMED and the Altoona Fire Department.

Police are asking anyone with information on Kearney’s whereabouts to call 911. He is to be considered armed and dangerous

Kearny is facing multiple charges, including possession of a firearm prohibited, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment, terroristic threats and other related charges.

This is a developing story, please check back for updates and download the WTAJ app to receive breaking news notifications.