Attempted murder charges dropped against man accused of shooting North Versailles cop, K-9

Prosecutors on Friday withdrew four attempted first-degree murder charges against a North Versailles man accused of shooting an officer and K-9 last year as they responded to a domestic disturbance.

Ian Fields, 46, waived his preliminary hearing Friday morning in front of Magisterial District Judge Eugene Riazzi.

Though the charges of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer were withdrawn, Fields still faces more than a dozen charges. Those include multiple counts of assault of a law enforcement officer and attempted aggravated assault.

Fields appeared only briefly in the McKeesport courtroom. He used a walking boot and walker to get around. He was shot twice in the leg during the Nov. 24 shootout on Arlington Avenue.

The incident began with a 911 call at about 3:40 a.m. for a report of a domestic disturbance and reported gunshots, according to the criminal complaint against Fields.

Four officers responded to the scene and encountered Fields in an alley behind Arlington Avenue with his back to them, according to the complaint. He allegedly refused officers’ commands and then turned and began firing toward an officer.

Officer Steven Shawley was struck in the left hand, and his cheek was grazed by a bullet. Authorities announced days later that a police K-9 Chase was also wounded by the gunfire, and a related charge was added against Fields. Officer Shawley was treated and released from UPMC McKeesport within several hours.

Officers returned fire toward Fields, who took off toward Delaware Avenue, according to the complaint. Police later found a .40-caliber Glock on the ground that had been reported stolen in 2011.

The search for Fields lasted several hours, and authorities at the time said they believe Fields was trying to flee when officers finally spotted him. They suspect he’d hidden in a canvas shed in a wooded area between Delaware Avenue and Washington Road.

“I’m sorry to my girlfriend and you guys for this,” Fields allegedly said to a detective as he lost consciousness in the back of an ambulance after he was taken into custody.

A witness told investigators an argument preceded the entire situation.

An individual identified only as Witness 1 told investigators they’d been driving home with Fields when they began arguing. Fields jumped out of the car at a Lincoln Highway gas station and refused to get back in, the witness told police, so the witness drove off.

According to the complaint, the witness said that 15-20 minutes after they got home, they heard glass breaking and found Fields in the apartment collecting his things, including a semiautomatic pistol. Fields allegedly said he would “[expletive] up” the witness’ car. The witness called 911 after they heard two gunshots.