The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that the local organization Take Action Mon Valley, spearheaded by McKeesport resident and community activist Fawn Walker-Montgomery, released a statement regarding the Dec. 20 shooting of McKeesport Officer Jerry Athans, a four-year veteran. The alleged suspect is 22-year-old Koby Francis, of McKeesport. Allegheny County Police reported that the officer will recover from his injuries to his neck and shoulder. County police, as of Tuesday morning, Dec. 22, are still searching for Francis.
Take Action Mon Valley Statement (Monday, Dec. 21, 6:35 a.m.):
Our GOAL is to assure that Koby Francis is brought in safe and alive. In addition, to ensure that his family, friends and Black residents of McKeesport are safe from illegal searches, harm and emotional trauma, etc. We have been in contact with his family and other residents who were subjected to this. They have been connected with attorneys, etc. Total of 8 people/families so far (more are coming as people are calling hourly). The over-enforcement, presence and intrusiveness by police today (Sunday afternoon, evening, Dec. 20) here in McKeesport is uncalled for and illegal. We demand that Koby is afforded the same grace that various White suspects are and BROUGHT IN ALIVE so he can have his day in court. Moreover, that police stop violating the Fourth Amendment rights of McKeesport residents (protections from unlawful searches and seizures, unless there is reasonable suspicion or probable cause to determine that the assailant is hiding in a specific house, they need a warrant to enter). Being a relative or friend of a suspect is not a reason. Please continue to keep Koby, the officer who was shot and both their families in your thoughts. If you know anyone in McKeesport that has had issues with police have them call or text Take Action Mon Valley at 412-440-8268 and/or takeactionmonvalley@gmail.com
Walker-Montgomery was interviewed on local station WPXI-TV (Channel 11), as the station aired a story on the searches that happened in McKeesport in the moments and hours after the Sunday, Dec. 20 shooting. The link to the WPXI story is below: