Police Officer Shot In New Kensington Has Died, Gunman Still At Large

[left-of-center2012]

Source: KDKA CBS TV

NEW KENSINGTON, PA (KDKA) —
A manhunt is continuing in Westmoreland County into the overnight hours after a police officer was fatally shot in the chest Friday evening in New Kensington.

The shooting was first reported around 8:15 p.m. in the 1200 block of Leishman Avenue.

Sources say the gunman remains at large. A massive police presence has converged on the New Kensington area, including officers from Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties, Pittsburgh Police, McKeesport Police and North Versailles Police.

“I’ve never seen this many… I’ve never seen more than two cop cars here,” said one neighbor. “This is insane. We’re all praying for him… and for all the police officers to just catch whoever did this.”

“It’s kinda scary, especially with my kids around, but seeing a lot of action like this, it’s crazy. It’s scary, really. It’s unbelievable,” said Maria Ceniceros, another neighbor.

The vehicle had reportedly been seen earlier in the evening on Saltsburg Road in Penn Hills.

Elsewhere in New Kensington, police surrounded the area of the 1100 block Walnut Street after 11:30 p.m. But it was unclear what they were looking for.

Read more: http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2017/11/17/new-kensington-officer-shooting/

---

There is a news video at the link.

I graduated high school in New Kensington, PA in 1964, 53 years ago.

[pat_k]

1. This is so sad. Brian Shaw was only 25.

Article from when he, and two others, were hired in June..

http://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/12377125-74/new-kensington-hires-3-police-officers-bringing-force-to-full-strength

According to police Chief Jim Klein, the hires bring the department back up to full staffing, which is 23 full-time officers.

“They will be a great addition to the police department,” he said.

On edit
Among the photos is one of him with his dogs.
http://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/12965653-74/officer-shot-in-new-kensington

[SergeStorms]

2. A traffic stop.

Traffic stops are the most dangerous times for Police, especially at night. You never know who is in the car, or what they're capable of doing. I hope they catch the perp. Anyone who will kill an Officer of the Law won't hesitate to kill anyone else.

[argyl]

3. Its been a while but if Im stopped I open my window and put both hands out.

That may not be the recommended procedure but I’ve always thought it may take a lot of stress off a policeman walking into God only knows what.

Some jobs may have a higher rate of mortality than being a peace officer but stopping someone who’s probably law abiding but may have a pistol in his lap and nothing to lose has got to be stressful.

Condolences to this young officer and his family.

[SoCalMusicLover]

4. Fucking Guns

And Conservative Pricks claim they support the police. They care more about their precious.

So many guns out there, no surprise things like this happen on a regular basis to police who themselves are armed.

[FarPoint]

5. I too grew up near New Kensington.....

Early 70's....went to St. A's Club...great music...
It always was a town with a strong family base yet rough undercurrent....

[FakeNoose]

6. New Kensington PA

New Kensington is about 35 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. It's considered a suburb of Pittsburgh but it's pretty far out.



Condolences to the officer's family and loved ones. I sure hope they catch this guy.

[left-of-center2012]

7. "New Ken" is about 22 miles up the Allegheny River from Pittsburgh

ALCOA had a big plant there, now closed, when I was in high school (1960-64).

ALCOA made aluminum cookware, etc, called "Kensington ware".

If you remember the Mannarino brothers, this book may interest you:
“Little Chicago: A History of Organized Crime in New Kensington, Pennsylvania”

[Jack-o-Lantern]

8. Sometimes police actions are questionable if not criminal.

But in this instance I hope the killer is captured if not killed on the spot.

[John1956PA]

9. At 11:45 PM, Saturday, November 18, a news report stated the police have someone in custody.

The news report stated that the driver of the Jeep is in custody on an unrelated drug charge. The report is not clear if that driver is thought to be the shooter.

Also, the report contains a tweet from a reporter stating that police are seeking a warrant to search the "home of suspected shooter's girlfriend."

http://www.wpxi.com/news/top-stories/driver-of-suv-in-connection-to-deadly-police-officer-shooting-in-custody-on-unrelated-charges/649497337

[John1956PA]

10. News Report, 1:30 AM, November 19, Shooting Suspect Named, Still at Large

A news update at 1:30 AM, November 19, reports that the police have named the shooting suspect who is at large and who is considered to be armed and dangerous.

http://www.wpxi.com/news/top-stories/suspect-named-in-fatal-shooting-of-new-kensington-police-officer/649497337

[left-of-center2012]

11. With thanks to John1956PA ...

Update New Kensington Police Officer Shooting:
Rahmael Sal HOLT (DOB 05/31/88) has been identified as the person who shot and killed Officer Shaw.
A warrant has been issued for Holt's arrest. Consider Holt armed and dangerous! Call 911 with info on his location.

Pictured below :

[John1956PA]

12. November 20 update regarding the driver of the Jeep.

At the outset of the reporting on this tragedy, there was a report that an incarcerated individual (being held on drug charges) was related to the investigation. I have not been able to determine if that reported detail is true.

As of 12:00 PM, November 20, the latest report states that a one Tavon Harper was the driver of the Jeep and that he has been arrested. The latest report indicates that Officer Brian Shaw attempted to get the driver of the Jeep to stop the vehicle. However, the Jeep proceeded to drive on (presumably at a low rate of speed) and the passenger exited the vehicle. The exiting passenger fled on foot, and Officer Shaw gave chase. The fleeing passenger then fired shots at the officer.

As indicated in previous reports, police suspect that one Rahmael Holt was the shooter. Holt has not been apprehended and is considered to be armed an dangerous.

http://www.wpxi.com/news/top-stories/driver-of-jeep-involved-in-officers-shooting-death-arrested-reward-increased/649497337

[John1956PA]

13. November 21 Update, Suspect Taken Into Custody

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:vfss2EsBzPQJ:www.post-gazette.com/local/westmoreland/2017/11/21/Suspect-rahmael-holt-police-officer-brian-shaw-new-kensington-shooting-death-captured-arrest/stories/201711210074+&cd=14&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Pennsylvania State Police said they have captured the suspect charged with killing a New Kensington police officer Friday night.

Rahmael Sal Holt, 29, of the Natrona Heights area, was taken into custody early Tuesday morning, police said.

Holt was arrested without incident shortly before 5:30 a.m. in Hazelwood, according to police.