Update 5:26pm
Video of Pa Rep. Marty Flynn. I had the weapon on me, and when on the streets, I take the safety off.
Update 3pm.
Video of 2pm press event.
Mayor Eric Papenfuse.
Police Chief Thomas Carter.
Representatives Flynn and Bizzarro acted in an heroic manner.
They exchanged gun fire with each other.
As released by Harrisburg Bureau of Police.
10/14/14 at 2257hrs, Harrisburg Police officers were dispatched to a report of a robbery that had just occurred. The victim stated that he also fired a shot during this robbery. The crime scene was determined to be in the 200 block of Herr St. The victims, who are State Representatives, stated that they were walking in the 200 block of Herr St and approached by two black males.
The suspects were located a few blocks away and were positively identified by the victims. A third suspect, who was in their company, was charged as an accomplice in the robbery. A fourth, Zha-Quan McGhee was arrested at his home, after a follow up investigation.
Suspect:
Jamani Ellison B/M/17
Jyair Leonard B/M/15
Derek Anderson B/M/17
Zha-quan McGhee B/M/15
Update.
As released by the Pa House Democratic Caucus.
HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro and Marty Flynn escaped injury in an attempted robbery last night in Harrisburg.
The incident occurred just before 11 p.m. Tuesday about four blocks from the Capitol in the city's Midtown neighborhood where the two men stay when they are working in Harrisburg.
Flynn and Bizzarro were at the Capitol until House session ended after 7:30 p.m. and met four other House members for a late dinner at a Second Street restaurant. They then walked two of their colleagues back to the Capitol and began walking to their residence which is on Second Street.
They were accosted by a male who pointed a gun first at Flynn and then at Bizzarro and demanded their wallets. The gunman was in close proximity to Flynn and Bizzarro while a second male across the street was shouting direction to the first assailant.
Neither lawmaker handed over anything. Flynn drew a handgun that he is licensed to carry and exchanged shots with the first male at which time both attackers and victims ran in different directions.
Bizzarro and Flynn went to the front of their residence and called 911. Flynn reported to a responding officer that he had fired his weapon and turned it over to the officer.
“We were extremely impressed by the professional manner in which the Harrisburg police officers responded to our call,” Bizzarro said. “We are very grateful.”
Flynn is a former Lackawanna County Prison guard and supervisor. Bizzarro is a former victim-witness coordinator for the Erie County courts. Both men were elected to the House of Representatives in 2012.
“We are used to fighting for the people in our districts every day,” Flynn said. “We certainly are going to stand up for ourselves and not become victims.”
Harrisburg Police continue investigating the incident. Bizzarro and Flynn expressed relief that nobody was struck by gunfire and they thanked the Harrisburg Police for the remarkably quick response.
The two lawmakers are attending to business this morning at the state Capitol and will be in the House the rest of today for what is expected to be a lengthy session. At this time they do not wish to comment further other than to assure constituents and colleagues that they are unhurt and are prepared to testify in any legal proceedings.