Montgomery man killed by Pa. trooper fired first: Police

From the Associated Press: A Pennsylvania state trooper says a Seton Hill University student from Montgomery County shot at him before the officer returned fire, killing the man and ending a three-hour standoff earlier this year.

Tpr. Ronald Salandro said Tuesday that he fired a fraction of a second after Joseph Briggs opened fire. Salandro was testifying at a coroner's inquest into the 22-year-old's death.

Authorities say Briggs, of Dickerson, fired 30 to 40 shots from his apartment a few blocks from the school in Greensburg, about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh.

Investigators say Briggs had been drinking heavily the night before the Feb. 15 standoff. A roommate testified Tuesday that Briggs had just broken up with his girlfriend.

Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck does not expect charges to be filed against police.