PLAINS TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — One man is dead after being shot by state troopers after they say he tried to hit them with his truck while they responded to a disturbance call at Ole Tyme Charley’s in Plains Township early Friday morning.
There was a heavy presence of state and local police on South River Street around the area of Ole Tyme Charley’s Pub & Grill in Plains Township around 1:30 a.m.
According to PSP, officers responded to a man, later identified as Jason Patrick Kilduff, 41 of Pittston, causing a disturbance inside the establishment.
As two troopers arrived on the scene, they say Kilduff intentionally drove his Ford pickup truck towards the troopers, trying to hit the PSP unit.
One trooper was struck by the vehicle and both fired their weapons while trying to dodge Kilduff’s truck. Kilduff then drove over a wall and through the vestibule of the business.
Troopers shot Kilduff and he was pronounced dead on the scene.
Through further investigation police discovered that Kilduff was highly intoxicated inside Old Tyme Charley’s where he reportedly assaulted a patron and an employee.
South River Street was shut down for about an eight-mile stretch from the Cross Valley Expressway all the way to Danko’s All American Fitness Center.
State police were on the scene alongside Plains Township Police. Troopers placed evidence markers across the scene where the shattered glass was scattered across the parking lot and road.
A resident nearby tell Eyewitness News that the gunfire woke him up.
“I heard something flying down Diane Street and then I heard like shooting. I couldn’t tell you how many times, but it was a lot. I came outside here and I saw smoke, looked like something was on fire and I could hear tires spinning,” explained Elmer Hurrey.
Many residents stopped by the scene surprised to hear what happened.
“It’s not common at all. This pub was usually a really nice place for years and years,” stated Lenny Kasaba.
“Once in a while on the weekends, the bar gets a little noisy like people will be outside laughing and joking, but normally it’s quiet here. Yeah, it’s a quiet neighborhood,” said Hurrey.
State Police say the two troopers involved have been placed on administrative duties. Both the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office and state police are continuing the investigation.
This is a developing story, we will have more information on it as it becomes available.