Police in Allegheny County, Pa, is searching for Koby Lee Francis, 22, the suspect accused of shooting an officer three times in the neck at torso on Sunday while being transported outside a precinct after an earlier arrest.
Francis was arrested shortly after he was served a protection from abuse order. (Police said he was found parked outside a residence in violation of the order.)
Authorities said that the shooting incident happened outside the McKeesport police station.
Police said the suspect was already searched for firearms and they seized one. But there was apparently another one that was hidden because while he was being led out of the police car, the suspect opened fire on the officer while being handcuffed.
“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,” Adam Alfer, the McKeesport police chief, said.
McKeesport police issued a statement saying that Francis was seen on camera fleeing from the scene, still in handcuffs at about 4:18 p.m.
As of early Monday, police were 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.
The officer that was shot is described as a 32-year-old who has been on the force for four years. Local reports indicate that the officer may have been saved by his bulletproof vest.
The Allegheny County Police Department is in charge of the investigation.
CBS Pittsburgh reported that police in the area have set up checkpoints at the McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge.
Francis was described by police as Black and about 6’2. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and camouflage pants. Police said he is considered armed and dangerous.