ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — A deal offered in court Monday to an Allegheny County police officer accused of assaulting a man could drop the charges against him.
Under the tentative deal, the charges Officer Keith Shephard is facing would be reduced to disorderly conduct or even withdrawn if he completes 16 anger management classes and the victims sign off on the deal.
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“We’re pleased with what we worked out so far, and we feel it's a step in the right direction. And we are hopeful in 90 days that everybody will be satisfied and content with what's been worked out here today,” Shephard’s attorney, James Wymard, said.
According to South Fayette police, Shephard was riding his motorcycle while off-duty when he followed a car he claimed was speeding, confronted the driver and hit the driver in the head with his helmet. The pair started wrestling.
Police said the victim’s brother grabbed Shephard’s gun and fired a shot in the air to get the men to stop. Both victims were in court Monday.
Shephard told police the man who took his gun threatened to kill him.
“They did absolutely nothing wrong. We appreciate the district attorney’s office really getting involved and taking a close look at this and filing the right charges. We are glad he's being held accountable,” the victims’ attorney, Dave Zimmaro, said.
Shephard remains on paid leave, and he told the judge he has already completed 10 anger management classes.