A domestic disturbance led to the discovery of a dead man inside a drainage tunnel Wednesday in Moon Township.
The medical examiner Thursday afternoon identified the man as Panayioti R. Rauseo, 35, of Moon Township. He was pronounced dead at 9 p.m. Wednesday in the area between Stoops Ferry Road and the Sewickley Bridge.
About 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, Moon Township police responded to the 100 block of Fern Hollow Road for a domestic disturbance, Allegheny County police said. When officers arrived, the alleged victim’s ex-boyfriend, Rauseo, was no longer at the residence.
At 3:44 a.m., Rauseo returned to the home, but when he saw the police vehicle, he fled, police said. Officers searched for his vehicle and found it unoccupied on Randy Lane. They could not find him.
Moon Township police obtained an arrest warrant charging Rauseo with harassment, police said. They then continued to search the area. At about 9 p.m., they found him dead inside a drainage tunnel.
County police’s homicide unit investigated, police said. It appears Rauseo fled from his vehicle into a wooded area. As he ran through, he fell from a small cliff. He then got into the sewer tunnel, where he died, police said.
No cause or manner of death has been provided yet.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Allegheny County police tip line at 1-833-255-8477. Callers can remain anonymous. The department can also be reached via its social media sites.
Justin Vellucci is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Justin at jvellucci@triblive.com.