Man dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound in Summit Township, police said
SUMMIT TWP — State police confirmed a man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, which prompted an emergency response to the intersection of Route 422 and Bonniebrook Road on Monday, Sept. 4.
The man, whose name is being withheld by the Eagle, died of a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.
Trooper Bertha Cazy, public information officer for Troop D, said Tuesday that state police would not be releasing details about the man at this time.
Crews responded to the parking lot of Dollar General at 511 East Route 422 just after 1:30 p.m. Monday. Bonniebrook Road was closed at the intersection while the scene was assessed. It remained closed until 3:35 p.m.
An electronic billboard at the scene that displays controversial social and political messages was damaged during the incident.
The digital billboard has bullet holes and is visibly damaged. Although it continues to cycle through at least 15 messages as it did before, they are now mostly illegible on one side of the road due to the damage.
“I know (the billboard has) got a lot of negative reviews,” said Sean Burke, who lives nearby.
John Placek, who owns the billboard, said he doesn’t know the man who died or if the billboard played a role in his death.
Placek said he sympathizes with the man’s friends, family and the community.
He said state police contacted him about the damage following the incident, and a technician is expected to arrive Thursday to make repairs.
State police, the East Butler Volunteer Fire Company, Lick Hill Volunteer Fire Department and East Butler Ambulance responded to the incident. The state police forensic services unit also responded to the scene.
Employees at the Dollar General declined requests for comment.
Eagle staff writers Steve Ferris and William Pitts contributed to this report.
