PITTSBURGH -- The mother of accused Pittsburgh police-killer Richard Poplawski has had an active bench warrant for nearly three years, stemming from a court case involving her son's ex-girlfriend.
Watch Marcie Cipriani's Report Citing court documents, WTAE Channel 4's Marcie Cipriani reported that Margaret Poplawski, of Stanton Heights, was found guilty in 2006 of harassing a 19-year-old woman who accused her son, Richard, of violence.
According to the police report, Margaret Poplawski became angry and confrontational with Melissa Gladish and spat on the woman at a Sunoco gas station at 51st and Butler streets in Lawrenceville in July 2005.
Gladish had recently filed for a protection-from-abuse order against Richard Poplawski, claiming he grabbed her by her hair, dragged her to a set of stairs and said he would kill her if he found out she was dating any of his friends.
At the time, according to the report, Gladish told police that Richard Poplawski had a gun buried in the park near his house.
According to the police report, "Margaret Poplawski recognized her (at the gas station), she stood in her walk path then spat directly into her face."
The paperwork goes on to say that Margaret Poplawski "took a stand to fight her and told the victim to 'come on.'" Gladish told police she simply left.
Court papers show Margaret Poplawski was found guilty of harassment and was ordered to pay $238.50. She paid only $138, and a bench warrant was issued for her in July 2006.
District Judge Ron Costa issued the warrant. Costa is out of his office until Thursday, and it's unclear whether he plans to have Margaret Poplawski brought in.
Richard Poplawski, 22, is in the Allegheny County Jail on charges of homicide and aggravated assault. Police said he fatally shot Officers Eric Kelly, Stephen Mayhle and Paul Sciullo and wounded Officer Tim McManaway after they responded to a domestic disturbance call at his mother's home Saturday.
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