Suspect In McKeesport Police Officer Shooting Apprehended

CLARKSBURG, WV — The man suspected of the Dec. 20 shooting and wounding a McKeesport police officer was apprehended Tuesday. The United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force captured Koby Francis, 22, at a Clarksburg apartment complex, according to the Allegheny County Police Department.

Francis is accused of shooting Gerasimos Athans, 32, a four-year veteran of the McKeesport force. Athans was hospitalized for several days following the incident.

Athans had taken Francis into custody on suspicion of violating a protection from abuse order. Though handcuffed, Francis ambushed Athans as he opened the door to the police vehicle to take Francis into the station.

Francis allegedly had a gun on him that was not confiscated when he was taken into custody.

Francis is charged with aggravated assault, criminal attempt homicide, person not to possess a firearm, flight to avoid apprehension trial or punishment and escape.

He is being held in the North Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility in Doddridge County, WV to await extradition.

Francis is charged with aggravated assault, criminal attempt homicide, person not to possess a firearm, flight to avoid apprehension trial or punishment and escape.