Photo appears to show man choking police officer accused of assault

PITTSBURGH — A post on social media claims the photo was taken moments before a video shows the same officer kicking a man outside "The Flats" bar in the South Side, earlier this month.

It appears to show Nathan Stanley with his hands around the officer's neck.

"We are confident when the entire video comes out, everyone will see what happened," said Blaine Jones, who represents Stanley. He said he has seen the entire video, but wouldn't elaborate on that, or the pending assault charges filed against his client.

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"It's our hope that at the end of the day, Nathan will not be charged with these offenses," Jones said.

Pittsburgh police say Stanley attacked the officer. According to a criminal complaint, officers could smell alcohol on Stanley and were told by security at The Flats bar that Stanley had a gun and he would "shoot y'all up." Jones denies that.

Mayor Bill Peduto told 11 at 11 he's also seen the video, but said he can't react to just one side of it.

"That's why we'll do the full investigation," Peduto said. "It keeps putting question on both of their behavior that night."

The Pittsburgh Citizen Police Review Board is also looking into the case.

"I think it's a very compelling bit of evidence that aggravated assault charges are appropriate," Beth Pittinger said. "When he was kicked, his hands were visible, so that puts it back on the officer as well."

The district attorney's office hasn't ruled out criminal charges and told Channel 11 it's still under investigation. The officer has been re-assigned.

Cox Media Group