Police: ‘ Person of interest’ in officer’s slaying in custody

Pittsburgh police confirmed Thursday that a “person of interest” in connection with the killing of off- duty Pittsburgh Police Officer Calvin Hall was in custody.

That person is 30- year- old Christian Bey, two sources with knowledge of the matter confirmed to the Pittsburgh Post- Gazette.

City public safety spokesman Chris Togneri would say only the man, whose identity he would not confirm, was in custody on charges unrelated to Officer Hall’s death.

Officer Hall was shot during an argument in Homewood early Sunday and died from his wounds Wednesday.

The 36- year- old officer had been visiting his cousins in the 7300 block of Monticello Street as a party went on at Bey’s mother’s home across the street.

Officer Hall’s relatives said he left when the party became rowdy because he didn’t want to be involved, but later returned to ensure everyone was safe after a cousin was threatened with a gun.

Officer Hall became involved in an argument between his relatives and the neighbors and was shot after the argument ended and as he walked away, his cousin Darnell Coates said. Officer Hall was shot three times in the back, according to city Police Chief Scott Schubert.

Bey’s criminal history in Pennsylvania dates to 2007 and includes convictions for drug possession, resisting arrest, carrying a firearm without a license, fleeing a police officer and driving under the influence, among other charges, according to court records.

In 2011, he was sentenced to between three and six years in prison for participating in a multi- state, 42person drug ring that trafficked cocaine and crack between Clairton, Atlanta and Dallas.

Bey was released on parole in April 2013 but disappeared from a community corrections center in September 2013. After he was caught, he was sent back to prison in February 2014, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He was again released on parole in July 2017.

Officer Hall was a twoyear veteran of the Pittsburgh police force and had previously worked as an officer in Braddock and at Point Park University. His friends and family described him as a laid- back, cool- headed peacemaker who loved being a police officer and was invested deeply in his family, friendships and community.

The funeral for Officer Hall will be held Tuesday at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland. Mr. Togneri said further details about the arrangements would be released Friday.