Suspect in police officer’s death arrested at house in Hazelwood
Mother, others charged with hindering arrest
New Kensington police Officer Brian Shaw’s final, fatal encounter began Friday night after he spotted a vehicle going through a stop sign. It ended with his death in a hospital after being shot multiple times in the course of a foot pursuit during which he was unable to return fire.
At a news conference Tuesday in New Kensington, several hours after a manhunt ended with the capture of Officer Shaw’s accused killer, Rahmael Sal Holt, authorities provided new details about the events leading up to the slaying of the 25-year-old rookie officer.
Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck said authorities believe Officer Shaw’s attention was initially drawn by a traffic infraction about 8 p.m. Friday in the 1200 block of Leishman Avenue.
“We don’t have anything from Officer Shaw himself — he did not actually say the reason he was stopping it,” Mr. Peck said. But according to what the DA described as reliable information, authorities believe the Jeep simply did not stop completely, reason enough for Officer Shaw to attempt to pull it over.
Police said driver Tavon Harper, 27, of New Kensington never stopped. Instead, a passenger in that vehicle, who authorities later identified as Holt, got out and ran, Mr. Peck said.
“We know from video surveillance that we see a Jeep vehicle traveling along. You see two individuals, with Officer Shaw as the person pursuing another individual.”
The first individual — identified as Holt — “turns into a parking area next to City Outreach Church. ... At that time you can see that there’s a gun flash,” Mr. Peck said
“Officer Shaw appears to be hit, stand up, and then go down again. You