Investigates

Firing of officer caught on video punching teen during Heinz Field arrest upheld

PITTSBURGH — The firing of a police sergeant who was caught on video punching a teenager during an arrest at Heinz Field has been upheld, a source confirmed Wednesday to Target 11's Rick Earle.

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich upheld the firing of Stephen Matakovich, Earle reported.

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The Fraternal Order of Police said in a release pending Matakovich’s termination, "We have faith in both Sgt. Matakovich's criminal defense attorneys as well as the criminal justice system. The FOP will continue the internal process, which is arbitration at this point."

The decision to fire Matakovich came after Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto told Earle on Monday that the city had revoked Matakovich’s pay.

A Go Fund Me account to support Matakovich’s children and their education was created Tuesday night by his friends – most his fellow officers. The page has already raised more than $16,000.

The page says that Matakovich, "Proudly served the Pittsburgh bureau of police for 23 years…He was caught up in the mass hysteria that is the anti-police movement in this country."

Charges against Matakovich were refiled on Friday, including two counts of official oppression, simple assault, unsworn falsification to authorities and perjury.

Sources previously told Target 11 that Matakovich was off duty but was working a security detail at Heinz Field during the WPIAL football championship games in November when he encountered an intoxicated fan, Gabriel Despres, and arrested him. Surveillance video of the Nov. 28 arrest, which prompted an investigation, shows Matakovich punching the teenager.

At one point, Matakovich was cleared of using excessive force. Initial charges were dropped on Feb. 1, but the FBI announced a review of the case and Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala directed that charges be refiled.

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