Bartender accidentally killed himself, police say

A Lawrenceville bartender argued with relatives Wednesday night before he went to a bar with his teenage son and accidentally shot and killed himself, Pittsburgh police said.

John Popinski, 52, shot himself in the head about 11 p.m. inside Salac's Bar in the 4500 block of Butler Street. The bar was closed at the time.

Mr. Popinski had a key and went there with his son after "having some arguments" with family members, Commander Thomas Stangrecki said.

The son called 911 to report that his father was shot.

A detective found Mr. Popinski shot in the head but apparently still alive. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian in critical condition and was pronounced dead there at 11:36 p.m., the Allegheny County medical examiner's office said.

A .357 revolver was recovered at the scene. Police believe Mr. Popinski was playing with the gun, which is kept inside the bar, Mr. Stangrecki said.

The medical examiner's office said the cause and manner of Mr. Popinski's death were still pending Thursday night.

First published on January 28, 2011 at 12:00 am