New Kensington police chief vows to find officer's killer as manhunt intensifies
New Kensington's police chief vowed to bring to justice the person who shot and killed one of his officers Friday night.
Chief Jim Klein said federal, state and local agencies are currently involved in a massive investigation to find the person who shot and killed Officer Brian Shaw.
"We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you so that you are held accountable for what has occurred," Klein said at a brief news conference Saturday afternoon, during which he did not take any questions.
Westmoreland County Detectives are leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, state police and numerous local agencies.
There is a $40,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot Shaw — $25,000 from the FBI, $10,000 from the ATF and $5,000 from the U.S. Marshall Service.
New Kensington Officer Shaw Reward Update- The U.S. Marshall Service offered $5,000 and the ATF increased their original reward from $5,000 now to $10,000. The reward money leading to an arrest is now totaled at $40,000.
" Troop A Public Information Officers (@PSPTroopAPIO) November 18, 2017
Investigators have not released a description of the gunman.
Shaw, 25, was shot after pulling over an SUV in the 1200 block of Leishman Street at about 8:10 p.m. Friday.
Klein said the traffic stop lead to a foot pursuit, which resulted in shots being fired. Despite wearing a bullet-proof vest, Shaw was shot in the chest and later succumbed to his injuries.
The SUV was found, unoccupied, Friday night. The car had a temporary license plate that was registered to a Penn Hills resident.
"The investigation as to the vehicle's full involvement and the occupants that were in that vehicle is ongoing at this time," Klein said.
Police have received a "multitude" of calls since the shooting, but more tips are needed, according to state Trooper Stephen Limani.
"A very small, minute tip could be the tipping point that leads us in the direction of finding whoever committed this crime," Limani said.
Shaw, a Burrell High School graduate, was hired by New Kensington police in June.
An autopsy was performed Saturday morning.
Klein said the "outpouring of support" that his department has received from the New Kensington community and area police departments has been overwhelming.
"We can't tell you right now how much we truly, truly appreciate the support that we've received," he said.
Klein described Shaw as a "young, bright, energetic, caring officer that was loved by his family and members of this police department.
"He gave his life protecting this community," he said.
Klein assured New Kensington residents that their police services have not and will not stop.
"We have numerous departments that have come here and volunteered their time to conduct any type of police activity that needs done in this town while our department grieves," he said.
Klein said more arrangements for Shaw's funeral were being made, and are expected to be made public on Sunday.
Brian C. Rittmeyer and Jacob Tierney are Tribune-Review staff writers. Reach Rittmeyer at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@tribweb.com or on Twitter @BCRittmeyer. Reach Tierney at 724-836-6646 or jtierney@tribweb.com.
