Suspect in shooting of officer apprehended

By JEFF STITT

jstitt@yourmvi.com

After nine days of being on the lam, the man accused of shooting a McKeesport police officer Dec. 20 is in custody.

In a release issued at 6:54 p.m. Tuesday, Allegheny County police Lt. Venerando Costa confirmed 22-year-old Koby Lee Francis of McKeesport has been captured in West Virginia.

Officer Gerasimos “Jerry” Athans, 32, who was struck by three rounds, was released from a Pittsburgh-area hospital Dec. 21, just in time to spend Christmas with his family.

Costa said U.S. marshals assigned to the West Virginia, Northern Office Mountain State Fugitive Task Force captured Francis at an apartment complex in Clarksburg, W.Va.

Francis, who is charged with aggravated assault, criminal attempt homicide, person not to possess a firearm, flight to avoid apprehension trial or punishment, and escape, is being housed at the North Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility in Doddridge County to await extradition to Pennsylvania.

The shooting occurred as Athans was attempting to escort a handcuffed Francis from the back of a patrol SUV Dec. 20, according to ACPD.

ACPD said the suspect shot the officer with a gun he was able to conceal after being taken into custody.

Costa said the investigation remains active. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the Allegheny County Police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (1-833-255-8477); callers can remain anonymous. The department can also be reached via its social media sites.