Zappala reviewing shots fired by parole agents in Knoxville
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Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala said state parole agents endangered innocent lives when they fired upon a wanted man on a busy Knoxville street this week.
Mr. Zappala said he is reviewing the incident involving Brian Brandt, 33, whom the agents sought after he failed to check in with them following his release from prison.
A group of six agents spotted Mr. Brandt Monday afternoon in the 400 block of Brownsville Road. When they approached, police said, mr. Brandt tried to run them over. One of the agents put his hand through the window to try to stun Mr. Brandt with a Taser and was dragged by the car several feet, police said. Witnesses said another agent fired four rounds, all of which struck the car.
Inside the vehicle with Mr. Brandt was a woman whom Mr. Zappala described as an innocent bystander. She was unharmed.
The district attorney said he will review whether the agents followed protocol during the incident. He and his investigators returned to the scene this morning.
First Published October 6, 2011 11:27 am
