Two Wounded in Bar Shooting

Tavern’s owners announce plans to close permanently

By Staff Reports
The Tube City Almanac
October 31, 2025
Posted in: Crime and Police News

(Photo via Facebook)

Two people were wounded Thursday night during a shooting at a Downtown bar. The tavern’s owners have announced plans to permanently close in the interests of safety.

Allegheny County police said the incident happened inside the McKeesport Beer Barrel in the 500 block of Fifth Avenue just after 9:30 p.m.. In a prepared statement, homicide detectives said a man and a woman were both injured and taken to area hospitals. The male victim was in critical condition, police said.

The names of the victims were not released and police did not disclose the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Anyone with information concerning the incident was asked to call the county police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.

On Friday, the bar’s owners announced via social media their plans to close.

“This choice was reached with the well-being of our management, staff, friends and the surrounding community in mind,” the announcement said. “This decision is intended to help end violence and ensure everyone’s safety.

“This closure was not forced upon us, rather it was a voluntary decision made after careful consideration,” the statement said. “We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our loyal customers for their continued support and the memorable times we have shared over the years.”

It is the second bar in the Downtown area to close this year following a shooting. In March, Tube City Cafe, located in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue, closed after a 37-year-old patron was fatally shot. That bar had been open since 1935.

A Glassport man has been charged with homicide in connection with the incident at Tube City Cafe.

According to published reports and Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board records, the Beer Barrel has been licensed since at least 1988, although it closed and reopened under new management in 2017, following extensive renovations and with a newly transferred liquor license.

The address had been connected to at least two previous incidents prior to Thursday’s shooting. 

In 2014, a 20-year-old man died of gunshot wounds following a confrontation outside the bar, then known as “Ray’s Double Barrel.” The suspect in that homicide is serving a 20- to 40-year prison sentence.

Then, in June 2020, police said a fight inside the bar escalated and the dispute spilled outside, where it led to the shooting death of 29-year-old Ericka Stevens.

That case went to trial earlier this month and a 38-year-old woman, Gabrielle Parker, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy and a weapons violation in connection with Stevens’ death. A jury, however, found her not guilty of homicide. Parker is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 4 by Allegheny County Judge Thomas Flaherty.

There have been no alleged violations or citations against the property since 2019, the PLCB said.

Originally published October 31, 2025.

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