McKeesport Police Officer Shot; Search Continues For Suspect

Pittsburgh PA

21 December, 2020

7:52 AM

Description

McKEESPORT, PA — The manhunt continues for the suspect in the shooting of a McKeesport police officer on Sunday. Koby Lee Francis, 22, of McKeesport is considered armed and dangerous. The officer, s Gerasimos Athans, 32, is in stable condition at an area trauma center, according to Allegheny County police. The four-year veteran of the force is expected to be released from the hospital in the next day or two. According to police, Francis entered the McKeesport police station Sunday afternoon, where he was served with a protection from abuse order and then left. About an hour later, police responded to a reported protection from abuse order violation at 1505 Yester Square. They found Francis sitting in a vehicle outside the residence, a violation of the order. Police seized a firearm from the vehicle and took Francis into custody. He was combative and kicked out the window of the police car on the way to the station, police said. When the officer opened the vehicle door upon arriving at the station, Francis shot the officer three times in the neck and torso with a second gun. Video captured moments later showed Francis fleeing on foot while still in handcuffs. Police say Francis will be charged with criminal attempted homicide, escape, flight to avoid apprehension, aggravated assault and violating the Uniform Firearms Act. Supporting the McKeesport and county police in the investigation and search are the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, the state Attorney General's Office, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the U.S. Marshal's Office. Anyone with information concerning the shooting and Francis' whereabouts is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (1-833-255-8477). The department also can be reached via its social media sites. Those contacting police can remain anonymous.