Charges filed against off-duty Center Township officer after man died while helping shooting victim

CENTER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Charges have been filed against an off-duty Center Township police officer after a man died while helping a shooting victim at Walmart in Center Township last year.

>> State police investigating death at shooting scene outside Beaver County Walmart

Kenneth Vinyard, who was 48 at the time, died on Nov. 6, 2022, after being tackled by an off-duty officer.

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Officer John Hawk, 37, is now facing charges in Vinyard’s death.

In May, Center Township and Hawk agreed to settle a nearly $1 million lawsuit filed by Vinyard’s family.

>> Family of man who died helping shooting victim at local Walmart suing off-duty officer, township

A grand jury recommended that charges be filed against Hawk on Dec. 8, 2023.

“I can tell you that since this incident occurred, Mr. Hawk has been surprised. He was a police officer and he served for many years, proudly,” Hawk’s defense attorney Blaine Jones said.

Channel 11 spoke with Ashley Steele, Vinyard’s stepdaughter.

“My mom called me at work and I sobbed. I couldn’t believe it. I actually thought my mom was punking me because I had no idea it was going to happen,” Steele said.

Channel 11 asked Steele of the charges went far enough.

“Me personally, no. But, I can’t be selfish in this. I have to trust the Attorney General and their investigation on the decision they made that that is enough,” she said.

Hawk is facing numerous charges, including involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault.

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