Charges filed after clash with police during protest

Six people were charged following the memorial march to honor a teen fatally struck by a car last year in West Mifflin.

Several people are facing charges after a protest Sunday near Kennywood Park in West Mifflin led to a confrontation with police that temporarily shut down Kennywood Boulevard.

The boulevard was closed between Hoffman Boulevard and Glenn Street Sunday afternoon due to police activity.

Friends and family of Terrel “TJ” Byars Jr. organized the protest, which began shortly after 1 p.m. at the Duquesne Police Department on South Second Street. The march was planned to end about two miles away at the Speedway at 4315 Kennywood Blvd., just past Kennywood Park in West Mifflin.

Byars, 13, died Dec. 27 after being struck by a vehicle in front of the Speedway. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner ruled the death an accident.

West Mifflin police Chief Gregory McCulloch told TribLive news partner WTAE that arrests were made after a confrontation broke out during the protest. He said pepper spray was used after people who were being removed by officers became aggressive.

An officer was injured during the incident but did not require hospitalization, McCulloch told WTAE.

Court records show several people were charged in connection with the incident.

Terrel Dione Byars, 36, of Pittsburgh was charged with obstructing administration of law or other government functions, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways or other public passages.

Ina Chanel Pierce, 34, of Bellevue was charged with obstructing administration of law or other government functions, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways or other public passages. She was arrested and released on her own recognizance.

Dominique Brown, 32, of Pittsburgh was charged with obstructing administration of law or other government functions, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways or other public passages. Brown was released on her own recognizance.

Dnico Larry Perry-Ellis, 24, of Pittsburgh was charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways or other public passages. He was released on his own recognizance.

Devon Matthew Archibald, 35, of Pittsburgh was charged with endangering the welfare of children, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways or other public passages. Archibald posted $1,000 bail.

Andre Clyde Campbell, 36, of Braddock was charged with obstructing administration of law or other government functions, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways or other public passages. Campbell posted $1,000 bail.

West Mifflin Mayor Chris Kelly said in a statement the borough’s police department was not notified about the planned march in advance. Police were called to the area because protesters were blocking traffic.

Kelly said that had officers been notified beforehand, they would have escorted the group to help keep participants safe.

West Mifflin police requested assistance from nearby departments, including Allegheny County Police. County police responded to the scene but did not immediately provide additional information.

Byars’ mother said the protest was intended to honor her son’s life and call for accountability and safer streets for the community.

A petition circulating online is calling for Kennywood Boulevard to be renamed in honor of Byars.

All defendants face preliminary hearings scheduled for 9 a.m. April 2 before Magisterial District Judge Richard Olasz Jr.

The Tribune Review contributed to this report.