Braddock Mayor Defends Officer Accused Of Punching Cuffed Suspect

POSTED: 3:23 pm EST March 5, 2008
UPDATED: 3:58 pm EST March 6, 2008

RANKIN, Pa. -- Inside a district judge's office on Wednesday, WTAE Channel 4 Action News reporter Marcie Cipriani had a chance to talk to a suspended police officer accused of punching a burglary suspect who was in police custody in October.

Braddock Officer Kevin Lukart said he feels as if he's been portrayed unfairly after WTAE Channel 4 Action News captured video of him punching a burglary suspect. The video shows Lukart hitting suspect Charles Krug while Krug was handcuffed.

The images were captured just after police said Krug broke into a Mills Avenue home, began stripping the copper pipe and prepared to steal personal items from James Knight. On Wednesday, Knight testified during Krug's preliminary hearing that he caught Krug inside his home.

Lukart, who attended Krug's hearing on Wednesday, has not spoken publicly since the video was taken because there is an ongoing investigation by the district attorney's office. He said he can't talk about what happened that night. He did say, however, that "once it is resolved, I would be happy to sit down and talk to you."

Until then, Braddock's mayor, John Fetterman, is speaking out. "We certainly would like to see it resolved as quickly as possible and unless there is something really dramatic to come out of this investigation, I wouldn't be surprised if Kevin were to eventually rejoin the force," said Fetterman. "He had a great record prior to this happening."

Fetterman said although the punch is clear on tape, it's unclear what was said between the men and impossible to realize the high emotion involved.

"Kevin, when he responded to this particular call, was protecting the physical safety and rights of an elderly African-American resident who was awakened at 2 a.m. by this individual," said Fetterman.

Knight admits he was afraid that day but made no comment about the officer's actions when police caught up with their suspect.

"I don't know him," said Knight. "All I know is he's a police officer."

After the incident, Lukart was suspended from the force.

Krug was held for court on burglary charges.

Previous Stories: