Police: Fight Over Snapchat Video Sparked Pepsi Plant Shooting

STOWE TWP. (KDKA) -- Police investigating a shooting at the Pepsi Cola Distribution facility in Stowe Township now say an embarrassing video on Snapchat sparked an argument between co-workers that ended in gunfire.

29-year-old Michael Harris of McKees Rocks has been charged with aggravated assault and other counts after allegedly shooting that co-worker in the leg on Monday afternoon.

KDKA has obtained a copy of the criminal complaint. It outlines what Harris told investigators about the Snapchat video he posted last week.

"Harris said he was sitting in the break room with Victim #1 and several other workers during which time he video taped Victim #1."

The complaint goes on to say that the victim was performing an act that he felt was humiliating to him.

Harris said he just posted it as a joke and after leaving work for the day, he received several text messages from he victim demanding the video be taken down.

When Harris arrived at the Pepsi plant for his shift on Monday, he claims the victim body slammed him and taunted him in an attempt to get him to fight.

The complaint states Harris then "walked out to his vehicle… that was parked in the employee lot…. and retrieved his Smith & Wesson .40 pistol and went back into the warehouse, confronted Victim #1 and shot him in the leg."

The victim was rushed to Allegheny General Hospital with a non-life-threatening wound.

Police Chief Matthew Preininger told KDKA's Kym Gable that employees had the situation under control when first responders arrived.

"The alleged shooter was in an office by himself with some people. He was rather cooperative from what I understand.  They rendered medical aid to the individual that was shot."

There are signs posted around the facility indicating no firearms are permitted on the premises.

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