Pittsburgh police chief supports refiling of charges against officer involved in Heinz Field arrest

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay told Target 11 Wednesday that he supports the refilling of charges against a police officer accused of using excessive force during an arrest at Heinz Field.

Pittsburgh police Sgt. Stephen Matakovich, who has been on the Pittsburgh police force for more than 20 years, was charged with one count of simple assault and one count of official oppression.

• Pittsburgh officer charged with assault for arrest made at Heinz Field

A judge dropped all of the charges Monday, but McLay believes they should be refiled.

• Charges dropped against officer accused of using excessive force during Heinz Field arrest

“In my opinion, yes, (excessive force was used), but again, the courts will do what they need to do,” McLay said.

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Sources told Target 11 that Matakovich was off duty but working a security detail at Heinz Field on Nov. 28 when he encountered an intoxicated fan, Gabriel Despres, and arrested him.

The incident was captured on the stadium’s surveillance cameras. The video shows Matakovich pushing and then repeatedly punching Despres. Matakovich claimed during his hearing that he took the actions because he felt threatened.

McLay declined to discuss the judge’s decision to dismiss charges but said he stands by the investigation.

“Our responsibility is to conduct investigations, and when there are apparent violations of the law, we have an ethical responsibility, regardless of who the actor is, to run that same course of conduct through exactly the same steps as if it was you who was caught on that video tape,” McLay said.

He added that he’s not surprised that the FBI has decided to review the case, and he said he hopes the district attorney will take another look at it.

• FBI reviewing actions of police officer accused of using excessive force at Heinz Field

“I know the District Attorney’s Office is contemplating refiling, and I think that's a good thing,” McLay said.

The chief also said an internal investigation is now underway, and the officer may face disciplinary action.

“I will let the integrity of the investigation inform my opinion about how significant and how serious the issue is and try to come to a determination on whether I’m looking at misconduct or a mistake,” McLay said.

Matakovich remains on paid leave from the Pittsburgh police force.

Despres is still facing charges of trespassing and underage drinking. His hearing is set for March.

WPXI