MCKEESPORT, Pa. — Police are actively searching for the man accused of shooting a McKeesport officer on Sunday, saying the man should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
Koby Francis, 22, was identified as the shooter. Police spent Sunday night searching homes and vehicles as they left McKeesport.
A total of $15,000 in reward money is being offered for information leading to the apprehension of Francis, Allegheny County Police announced Wednesday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and a Pittsburgh area businessman are offering separate rewards.
The ATF is offering up to $10,000. Richard Bazzy, owner of Shults Ford, is offering up to $5,000.
On Monday, Allegheny County Police provided an update on the investigation, and clarified the timeline of events that led up to the shooting of Officer Gerasimos Athans.
According to investigators, Francis was served with a protection from abuse (PFA) order at the McKeesport police station around 2:55 p.m. on Sunday. The order was filed on behalf of his 4-month-old child and another individual.
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Within a half-hour, officers were called to Harrison Village in McKeesport for a report of Francis violating the PFA. The infant was reportedly there, and Francis attempted to kick in the door, per police.
Officers did not locate Francis upon arrival, but were called moments later to Yester Square, where Francis was again reported for violating the PFA.
He was located inside of a purple Ford Escape and taken into custody. Investigators said Francis was combative during the arrest. A gun was recovered from the vehicle.
While another officer remained on scene, Athans transported Francis back to the station.
Video surveillance released by county investigators on Monday shows Athans step out of his patrol vehicle and open the rear passenger door. Instantly, Francis is seen firing a shot.
Athans is then seen running for cover and returning fire. Francis fires additional shots, ultimately striking the officer once in the neck and twice in the shoulder. Francis is then seen fleeing. County investigators said there is no evidence indicating Francis was struck by Athans’ return fire.
Athans, 32, was taken to the hospital, and is expected to be OK. He is a four-year veteran of the department.
“We’re just happy he’s going to be able to spend Christmas at home with his family,” said Allegheny County Police Superintendent Coleman McDonough.
When asked how a suspect was detained with a weapon concealed, McDonough stated it is “an administrative policy matter that McKeesport police will be taking a look at.”
Police said there is video of the arrest, showing that Francis was handcuffed behind his back. Somehow, however, he apparently managed to move his arms to the front of his body.
Police urge anyone who knows where he is to call 911, or contact the Allegheny County Police Tip Line with information at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
Police said that the two PFA victims “are safe.”
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