Groups object to police tactics in search for shooting suspect
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
After a McKeesport police officer was shot Sunday, law enforcement agencies at the local, county, state and federal level launched an extensive search for the accused shooter, 22-year-old Koby Francis of McKeesport.
In addition to searching on foot and by car, investigators used bloodhounds and drone teams to search for the suspect.
Officers, all in heavy armor, cleared abandoned buildings in the area, and all bridges and roads leading into the city were closed to traffic. Cars backed up at various locations were stopped and searched at checkpoints.
Some city residents believe investigators searching for the suspect have been exhibiting “over enforcement,” according to social media posts and press releases from Take Action Mon Valley, the American Civil Liberties Union of Pittsburgh and others. They contend that citizens’ Fourth Amendment rights were violated by overly intrusive searches of homes and vehicles.
“Our GOAL is to assure that Koby Francis is brought in safe and alive,” TAMV said in a Facebook post Monday. “In addition, to ensure that his family, friends and Black residents of McKeesport are safe from illegal searches, harm and emotional trauma etc.”
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