Officer in shooting released from hospital

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.

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