Pitt Police continues to fight Michael Rosfeld suit

By DONOVAN HARRELL

The University of Pittsburgh Police Department said it has no interest in rehiring former Pitt Police Officer Michael Rosfeld, who fatally shot unarmed black teen Antwon Rose Jr. in 2018.

Rosfeld most recently filed a civil complaint on Jan. 16, against Pitt Police Chief James Loftus and Senior Vice Chancellor for Engagement Kathy Humphrey. On June 7, Pitt Police released a statement saying that it would continue fighting the complaint.

“Please be assured that the University of Pittsburgh Police Department has no intention of reinstating Michael Rosfeld, and that the University is vigorously opposing his lawsuit in federal court,” the release said. “We continue to argue that his claim is baseless”

In the complaint, Rosfeld claims the defendants violated his due process and the 14th Amendment when Pitt Police fired him on Jan. 18, 2018. He is seeking lost wages and benefits dating back to his firing and is also asking for reinstatement as a police officer.

Rosfeld was part of the now-disbanded East Pittsburgh Police Department when he fatally shot Rose after he fled a traffic stop on June 19, 2018. Rosfeld was found not guilty in March 2019 of charges related to the shooting.

In the complaint, Rosfeld argued he was fired by Pitt without just cause and in retaliation for an incident on Dec. 9, 2017, when he arrested Timothy Riley, Jacob Schilling and Daniel Humphrey, Kathy Humphrey’s son, in front of Garage Door Saloon.

The department said this lawsuit has been stressful for some students as protests against racial inequality continue throughout the country.

“Our department is committed to maintaining the safety of all members of our community and advancing the University’s relentless pursuit of an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding among all of our community members,” the release said. 

Donovan Harrell is a writer for the University Times. Reach him at dharrell@pitt.edu or 412-383-9905.

 

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