WEBSTER -- Chris DiPerne knew something was awry Sunday night when his dog started "acting up."
Shortly after, he saw state police troopers surrounding Eli Myers' home, located across the street from DiPerne's Fifth Street residence.
"I overheard them asking him to come outside with his hands up," DiPerne said. "The night just got longer from there."
Myers was fatally shot Monday morning by police following the standoff.
DiPerne said police shone lights from their cars into the Webster house. Within the hour, more officers showed up. That's when he saw special operatives arrive.
"From that point, they brought in one of the SWAT truck units," DiPerne said. "They tried to talk to him (Myers) and coax him to come out. They shot tear gas canisters into the house a couple times."
Around 9:30 a.m., Myers came out of the house, carrying a rifle, DiPerne said. Police opened fire on Myers.
"I believe he did shoot at them because I heard on their police radio, 'Do not fire at my men again,'" DiPerne said.
Although he didn't see Myers get shot, he heard the shots.
DiPerne, who took video footage of the incident, said he never feared he could be hit by the crossfire.
"Actually, they had him pretty well surrounded," DiPerne said, adding that he had his three daughters stay in a room on the opposite side of the house.
Classes in the Belle Vernon Area School District were canceled today because of the incident.
In addition, state troopers closed off Power Street, which leads to Myers' house. The street was not reopened until 4:30 p.m. Monday.
DiPerne, who has lived there since 2001, said he only knew Myers to see him around.
"He was a pretty quiet guy in the sense that we're a small community up here," DiPerne said. "He never bothered with anyone up here. He kept odd hours.
"No one up here knew of him except to say 'Hi.'"
DiPerne said he felt for the families of "everyone who had to be involved in this situation."
"I feel for his family, too. I know Eli's brother. He's not a bad guy.
"It's a shame it had to happen. No one knows what set him off."
