MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man stabbed and killed along the Montour Trail in Moon Township on Monday was a Liquor Enforcement Officer for the Pennsylvania State Police.
>> Man dies after stabbing on Montour Trail, police looking for owner of bicycle found near scene
Now, a suspect is in custody and charged with homicide.
What we know about the victim, Benjamin Brallier
Brallier, 44, is being remembered as a dedicated officer, but even more so, a loving father and husband.
“He was willing to do anything for everyone, he always was. Super talented when it came to anything,” said Wayne Wright, a Liquor Enforcement Officer.
Brallier was with state police for 20 years and was off duty on the Montour Trail when detectives said he was stabbed to death.
“Every day he would run on that trail so obviously he never thought it would be a place where he would end up needing help,” said Tim Zundel, a Liquor Enforcement Officer.
“It happens far too often. We have been through this too many times, I can’t describe the feeling you go through as a family of law enforcement,” Major Christopher J. Neal, the Director of the Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement, said.
Colonel Christopher Paris, PSP Commissioner, sent Channel 11 the following statement:
“The Pennsylvania State Police is heartbroken to confirm the tragic loss of one of our own, dedicated Liquor Enforcement Officer Benjamin Brallier, who was fatally stabbed while off-duty yesterday. With over 20 years of service, he was an exemplary officer and a devoted father and husband.”
Montour School District shared the following statement:
“On behalf of our entire Montour School District and Board of Education, we extend our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Benjamin Bralier whose life was tragically taken on Monday, Oct. 21. We pray for his wife Sarah and his two daughters who attend our schools as they cope with this terrible loss.
“Whenever there is a tragedy within our community, our students and staff have trouble grieving, understanding and coping. We have crisis counselors available at the district for as long as needed to help our students, faculty and staff.
“Please consider rallying around the Brallier family in support as they navigate through this unimaginable time.”
What we know about the suspect, Anthony Quesen
A homeless man, Anthony Quesen, 25, was charged with homicide early Tuesday morning. Detectives said the attack was random and it’s the second random attack Quesen is accused of.
When asked about his criminal history, County Police said they’ve never interacted with him. But Channel 11 learned the suspect was arrested under an alias last summer for stealing someone’s FitBit from their wrist and jumping into the river after the suspect threw it.
A bike found near the scene on Monday is believed to be Quesen’s. It is being processed for evidence.
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