A judge in Westmoreland County on Thursday declined to give bail to a man who is alleged to have shot a Monroeville police officer during a pursuit that culminated in a collision in Allegheny Township.
Judge Meagan Bilik-DeFazio explained that she was convinced by a lengthy history of previous violent incidents involving Bruce A. Alvarado, 39, of Clairton, which was detailed by assistant district attorney Adam Barr.
“You have persuaded me, clearly, that Mr. Alvarado poses a threat to the community,” she said.
He will continue to be held in custody without bail in connection to the Nov. 10 shooting. Authorities tried to stop a stolen Jeep driven by Alvarado in Turtle Creek, but officials stated that he instead led them on a pursuit through Monroeville and North Versailles, among other areas.
The Jeep crashed in Allegheny Township on Route 356 near Hyde Park Road. Investigators stated that Alvarado shot a handgun into a marked Monroeville police cruiser, striking the officer twice.
Attorney Ken Noga argued that Alvarado is entitled to have bond set.
“This is not a matter of homicide, judge,” he said.
Bond is automatically denied in homicide cases, but judges can use their discretion in other matters. If the judge feels there are no other ways to protect a victim or the community, a defendant can be denied bond in cases that don’t involve homicide charges.
Barr objected to the defense's request.
“I don’t think you can find a better case than this to deny bond,” he said.
Barr went through a list of violent offenses for which Alvarado has been accused in the past, beginning when he was 14 years old. Those cases occurred in various states and other parts of Pennsylvania, as well as locally, and Alvarado has discussed going to Mexico and Alaska in recorded jail conversations.
“His criminal history is honestly filled with violence,” Barr stated.
Alvarado is facing charges of attempted homicide, reckless endangerment, carrying firearms without a license and related offenses. He is awaiting legal action in several Allegheny County cases involving charges such as aggravated assault, theft and resisting arrest.
