Nine people dead including suspect after shooting in Erie

Nine people died late Friday night after gunfire erupted in Erie, according to city officials. All deaths occurred before police arrived at the location, a press release said.

Police officers do not yet know the motive behind the killings. Investigators are still trying to learn whether the gunman knew the victims.

Calls first brought officers to the 700 block of Perry Street around 4:50 p.m. on Friday. Witnesses reported two women were shot outside a home on the sidewalk.

The gunman ran into a nearby residence, witnesses told police. Members of the SWAT team quickly surrounded the house.

Officers secured a search warrant. They forced their way inside.

Responders discovered bodies across at least two floors of the residence. Two children were found deceased inside the home, according to Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah said the gunman died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Lorah confirmed there is no ongoing danger to the public.

“There was a large loss of life inside that residence and outside that residence,” Lorah said.

Lorah called the location the worst crime scene in his career. The chief has served nearly 30 years in law enforcement.

City officials described the East Side incident as a terrible tragedy in an official release. Erie Mayor Daria Devlin plans to speak about the event later on Saturday.

Officers kept Perry Street blocked off between 7th Street and 8th Street on Friday night. Personnel remained on scene to gather physical evidence.

A municipal police department handles emergency response and criminal investigations within its city limits. Detectives document crime scenes and collect physical evidence to establish facts. Coroners confirm identities and determine the cause of death.

Officials asked the Erie community to avoid the area while the investigation continues.