Antwon Rose Killing: Protesters Close Parkway, Officer Speaks

PITTSBURGH, PA - Here are the latest developments in the shooting of Antwon Rose, the 17-year-old Woodland Hills High School student who was shot to death by an East Pittsburgh police officer Tuesday while fleeing a traffic stop. Police had stopped the vehicle because it matched the description of one involved in an earlier drive-by shooting.

• Protesters shut down the Parkway East in both directions for more than five hours Thursday night near the Wilkinsburg exit. Most had marched about three miles from the East Pittsburgh police headquarters to the parkway. The protest was nonviolent, although one woman was arrested after refusing to leave the road after the event had dispersed.

• The officer who shot Rose, Michael Rosfeld, spoke for the first time since the incident. He confirmed in an off-camera interview with WTAE-TV that he had been sworn in as as East Pittsburgh officer the night of the shooting, but has previously been an officer for the Oakmont, Harmar and University of Pittsburgh police departments.

Rosfeld did not discuss specifics on the Rose shooting or the ongoing investigation into it, but said he has received considerable support from law enforcement.

• The East Pittsburgh mayor, council and police have released the following joint statement on the shooting:

"We are profoundly saddened by the death of Antwon Rose. This is a tragic loss for his family and friends as well as for our community as a whole. We offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to Mr. Rose’s family and friends, the residents of East Pittsburgh and all those affected by this tragedy.

This is a very stressful time for our community. We are seeking truth and answers but the process takes time. We hope that everyone can respect this process. We will get through this together as a community.

We have confidence in the Allegheny County Police and District Attorney’s Office and we will be transparent with any and all information that they need during the investigation.

At this time, we ask for the public to be patient and respectful of their fellow neighbors as the investigation continues to move forward."

Photo via Tunie Funeral Home.

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