Former Pittsburgh cop suing city, being kept off force despite judge’s ruling

PITTSBURGH — The city of Pittsburgh paid a police officer nearly three years of backpay while trying to keep him off the force.

Officer Robert Kramer was fired three years ago after an off-duty road rage incident – where investigators said he pulled a gun on another driver.

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However, he was later acquitted by a jury in that case in 2017, and an arbitrator ordered the city to reinstate him.

The city appealed to common pleas court, but the judge upheld the decision and agreed Kramer should be put back on the force. Pittsburgh officials have appealed that to a higher court, and Mayor Bill Peduto has questioned Kramer’s credibility.

“There are some very serious questions about whether or not he would be able to testify if he's back on the streets,” Peduto said.

Last summer, Kramer filed a federal lawsuit against the mayor and the police chief, accusing them of fabricating evidence and malicious prosecution as the case continues to play out in court.

Kramer was given $163,000 in backpay, but he told Channel 11 he only received about $90,000 after taxes and fees.

The Police Officers Union has filed a motion asking a judge to force the city to reinstate him.

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