Officer in shooting released from hospital
Latest News
December 22, 2020

Officer in shooting released from hospital

By Mon Valley Independent

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

The search continues for 22-year-old Koby Lee Francis, who is accused of shooting a McKeesport police officer Sunday afternoon.

Officer Gerasimos “Jerry” Athans, 32, who was struck by three rounds, was released from a Pittsburgh-area hospital Monday night. 

In a press conference Monday, Allegheny County police Superintendent Coleman McDonough confirmed that the gunshot wounds Athans suffered are not life-threatening.

Francis is charged with criminal attempt-homicide, escape, flight to avoid apprehension, aggravated assault and violation of the Uniform Firearms Act.

He is described as a black male, 6 feet, 2 inches tall with a thin build, having black hair and black eyes. Francis was last seen wearing a black hoodie, camouflage pants and black shoes with white soles. Anyone seeing him should contact 911 immediately. He is considered armed and dangerous, according to ACPD.

Timeline of events

Shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday, Francis arrived at the McKeesport police station, where he was served a Protection from Abuse order and then left, according to a timeline of events from ACPD. The department is leading the investigation with assistance from McKeesport and local police departments, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office, state police, the state Attorney General’s Office, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and federal agencies including the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Marshal’s Office.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Tuesday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.

Charleroi glassmaking memories buried in time capsule
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 2, 2025
Former Corelle workers were joined by public officials for an emotional ceremony in Charleroi. Charleroi stood in the cold Monday in Meadow Avenue Park to say goodbye to the plant that shaped its peop...
Kennel contract renewed despite public objections
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The new agreement with Hoffman Kennels will run for one year. Elizabeth Township commissioners renewed a contract with Hoffman Kennels for one year for deer removal and dog control services despite so...
Season’s first big snowfall hits Mon Valley, western Pa.
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The worst part of the storm is forecast for today’s morning commute. The first big snowfall of the season hit Western Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning, coating the ground and roadways. Speed limits hav...
Elizabeth Twp. hydrant replaced after failing during fire
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
Pennsylvania American Water installed the new hydrant Monday and submitted the broken one to the manufacturer. Pennsylvania American Water has replaced a fire hydrant on Dillon Road in Elizabeth Towns...
Annual McKeesport Festival of Trees opens Thursday
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
The long-running holiday celebration will feature dozens of decorated trees. By the MVI Renziehausen Park’s Jacob Woll Pavilion will be converted into a village of Christmas trees this week, which is ...
Two-vehicle crash in Charleroi
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
Charleroi Fire Department responded Monday night to a collision involving two cars at Fifth and Washington Avenue in Charleroi. Charleroi FIre Department