In a tragic incident, two women were shot dead in rural Beaver County on Saturday afternoon. The suspect, identified as Benjamin Selby, 43, of Zelienople, is in custody and facing criminal charges.
The shooting happened in New Sewickley. First responders, SWAT, and the county coroner were called to the scene.
According to Chief Gregory Carney of the New Sewickley Township Police Department, initial responding units found an armed suspect. He barricaded himself inside the home where the shooting took place.
The police found two women dead and an uninjured woman inside the house. The suspect was arrested and taken to the Beaver County Jail.
Selby is charged with two counts of criminal homicide and one count of kidnapping for ransom, according to a criminal docket.
Details of the victims and the motive for the shooting remains unclear. Carney declined to explain the relationship between Selby and the victims.
SWAT responded to the shooting, which turned into a hostage situation, according to Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier. The coroner also responded to the scene. County 911 initially called for helicopters for hospital transports, but they were later canceled.
The police have assured the public that at no time were any neighbors or members of the public in danger.