Pennsylvania State Police have launched an investigation after an Erie man was shot and killed by a Pennsylvania State Parole Agent.

Around 10 p.m. Wednesday, the Erie Police Department responded to a call for a shooting off of East 27th and Parade St.

According to police, agents reported that they had shot a man during an investigation they were conducting.

An Erie police unit saw a car coming towards them at East 27th and German St., with a driver slumped over inside the vehicle.

Officers then positioned their car in front of the vehicle to prevent it from going any further.

Erie police say officers then pulled the man from the vehicle and began rendering aid, but he later died.

State police earlier on July 3 would only confirm that a parole agent was involved.

However, Erie News Now spoke with friends and family of the man who was killed. They identified him as Marchello Woodard.

Dion Pullium said her aunt dated Woodward. She was being dropped off Wednesday near the scene when they were approached by two agents.

"They asked him to step out," Pullium said.  "He was about to step out, until he noticed something."

Pullium said Woodard then pulled off.

"He pulled off, the officer was holding onto the window," Pullium said.  "Shots were let off.  The officer was still holding on, shooting."

Pullium, along with Woodard's friends and family, is seeking answers as they mourn his death.

"This is so hard for our community, because black men go through this all the time, and the eye is being turned," Pullium said.  "We don't have a voice.  As a community, we need to come together.  We need to come together as a community.  I don't care if we have to protest.  We need to let these people know we aren't standing for this."

This is the full release from the Pennsylvania State Police Troop E, Erie:

"The preliminary investigation indicates that on 07/02/25 at approximately 2150 hours, Pennsylvania State Parole Agents were conducting compliance checks within Erie County. Parole Agents recognized Marchello Dupree Woodward, sitting in a parked vehicle in the 300 block of East 27th Street, Erie City. 

Parole Agents identified themselves and Woodward began to drive away, dragging a State Parole Agent in the process. The agent fired multiple rounds into the driver's compartment of the vehicle before falling free of the vehicle.

Erie City Police responded to a report of shots fired and located Woodward approximately one and half blocks from the initial scene. Erie City Officers provided medical treatment to Woodward before he was transported to UPMC Hamot where he succumbed to his injuries. 

The State Parole Agent was also transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the altercation.

The Pennsylvania State Police were requested and are conducting a thorough and independent investigation into the incident alongside detectives from the Erie County District Attorney's Office. 

The Pennsylvania State Police Heritage Affairs Office will be working with community leaders to address any concerns the community may have. 

The Pennsylvania State Police asks for the public's patience as these investigations take time.

The Pennsylvania State Police also asks that anyone who has any information about this incident to please contact the Erie Station at 814-898-1641. Callers can remain anonymous."

The Erie Police Department is reiterating that the department was not involved in the initial incident.