At least 6 charged in connection with Lower Burrell officer's death

The following is a story written by Channel 11's news exchange partners at TribLIVE.

The aftermath of the murder of Lower Burrell police Officer Derek Kotecki arrived Friday when Westmoreland County authorities arrested several people in connection with the case.

One of those arrested is Chad Post of Aspinwall, brother of Kotecki's killer, Charlie Post.

Also charged is James "Lutzo" Ameris III, the New Kensington man who drove Charlie Post to the Dairy Queen in Lower Burrell where Post ambushed Kotecki on Oct. 12.

The charges against Ameris and Chad Post have not yet been released.

Also arrested are two men who possessed the handgun ultimately used to kill Kotecki. Police said Mickey Smith, address unknown, won the weapon at a gun bash at the Richland Township Fire Hall, Cambria County. But because had a past criminal record and legally couldn't own the gun, Robert Zentner, address unknown, signed the federal paperwork for it, then gave it to Smith.

It was not immediately available from authorities as to how Post came into possession of the gun.

Two female suspects are also in custody; however, their identities and connection to the case are not yet known. It is also not yet known how many people ultimately are facing charges.

Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck is expected to make a statement later this afternoon.

WPXI