Leon Ford's attorney argues civil case against police should go forward

A Shaler man's federal lawsuit against Pittsburgh police shouldn't be put on hold while the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office decides whether to retry him on criminal charges, his attorney said in a court document filed Friday.

Leon Ford, 21, has two bullets lodged near his spine and delayed surgery because of the first criminal trial, Monte Rabner argues in a brief urging that the civil lawsuit move forward. Ford's health is at constant risk, he said.

“Unlike most cases where the victim of the officers' violence is not alive to tell his story, Leon Ford is alive,” Rabner said. “He deserves the chance to tell his story. Our community deserves the opportunity to hold officers responsible for their actions.”

City Solicitor Lourdes Sanchez Ridge couldn't be reached for comment.

Ford claims in the lawsuit that Officer David Derbish and two other officers violated his civil rights during a November 2012 traffic stop in Highland Park. Derbish shot Ford five times, leaving him paralyzed.

An Allegheny County jury on Sept. 15 deadlocked on whether Ford resisted arrest, attempted escape and recklessly endangered police. It acquitted him on charges of aggravated assault.

The city on Oct. 1 filed a motion asking U.S. Magistrate Judge Maureen Kelly to put the federal civil case on hold until the state criminal charges are resolved.

Brian Bowling is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at bbowling@tribweb.com or 412-325-4301.