Pennsylvania Police Searching For Suspect Accused of Shooting Officer While Handcuffed

Authorities are searching for a 22-year-old suspect in Allegheny County, PA, after being accused of shooting an officer three times in the neck and torso on Sunday while being transported outside a precinct after an earlier arrest.

Police arrested Koby Lee Francis shortly after he was served a protection from abuse order. Police say that he was found parked outside the residence in violation of the order.

Police claim that the suspect had already been searched for firearms, and they seized one. But apparently, there was another firearm that was concealed. As the suspect was being removed from the police vehicle, he opened fire on the officer while still handcuffed.

Adam Alfer, the Mckeesport police chief, said, “When he got out of the car, he had a second gun that we didn’t locate on him, and he fired on our officer multiple times, hitting our officer at least two times.”

In a statement, police said that Francis was seen on camera fleeing from the scene in handcuffs at about 4:18 p.m.

Today, police are still searching for Francis, who will be charged with criminal attempt (homicide), escape, flight to avoid apprehension, aggravated assault, and violation of the Uniform Firearms Act.

Local reports indicate that his bulletproof vest may have saved the 32-year-old officer.

CBS Pittsburgh reported that police in the area have set up checkpoints at the Mckeesport-Duquesne Bridge.

Police describe Francis as Black and about 6’2. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and camouflage pants. Police say he is considered armed and dangerous.

Police throughout Allegheny County looking for this man, 22-year-old Koby Lee Francis of McKeesport, in connection with the shooting of a McKeesport police officer outside of the McKeesport police station late this afternoon. If you have any info, call 911 immediately ! pic.twitter.com/nZxOgPFZPq

— DA Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. (@AlleghenyCoDA) December 21, 2020