PITTSBURGH — The criminal trial of a Millvale man charged with assaulting a police officer by dragging him with a vehicle before the officer shot and paralyzed him continued Thursday.
Leon Ford, 21, has been charged with aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and other counts stemming from a traffic stop in Pittsburgh in November 2012.
Channel 11 got its first look at police officer David Derbish who reenacted for the jury how he claims he was forced to shoot Ford five times.
Derbish testified he jumped in Ford's car to help his struggling officers get Ford out of the car. Derbish said he saw the outline of a gun in Ford's pocket before Ford took off. No gun was ever found.
"I'm yelling, 'Stop, stop, stop," Derbish said.
Allegheny County prosecutors contend Ford was speeding and rolled through a stop sign before he was pulled over.
Ford, who has sued in federal court, claims police provoked the incident by not following proper procedures.
Related stories:
- Gag issued before trial of man shot by police
- People take to streets of East Liberty, saying Ferguson protests inspired them
- Judge won't dismiss charges of assaulting Pittsburgh police officer
- D.A. reacts to criticism from judge
- Community leaders seek justice for man shot, paralyzed during police traffic stop
- Man shot, paralyzed by officers asks for dismissal of charges, while police add more
- Shaler man sues Pittsburgh Police, city after shooting left him paralyzed
- Dash cam video released of shots fired during traffic stop
- Family: police won't let us visit wounded man accused of dragging officer during traffic stop