Top Stories

Funeral arrangements announced for Pittsburgh police Officer Calvin Hall

PITTSBURGH — Off-duty police officer Calvin Hall, who was shot early Sunday morning in Pittsburgh's Homewood neighborhood, has died, officials confirmed Wednesday.

Hall, 36, was at a house on Monticello Street visiting friends when he was shot three times in the back, according to investigators. He died Wednesday at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

STORY: Who is Calvin Hall, the off-duty officer shot in Homewood?

Funeral Arrangements 

Funeral arrangements and other events have been announced for Hall.

Pittsburgh Police conducted an End of Watch Ceremony on Saturday at 8 p.m., exactly when his regular shift would have ended. The ceremony took place in the 1500 block of Brighton Road in front of the Zone 1 police station.

On Monday, the viewing for Hall was held at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland from 12 p.m. from 8 p.m.

The funeral for Hall was held Tuesday at Soldiers and Sailors. Burial followed at Homewood Cemetery.

Community Reaction

“We as a Bureau are heartbroken. We are in mourning. We are supporting each other, and we are keeping Officer Hall’s family in our prayers and doing whatever we can to support and lift them in this dark, devastating time,” Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Chief Scott Schubert said in a statement.

Watch >>> Community mourns off-duty Pittsburgh police officer who died after being shot

Hall was stationed in Northview Heights for the last two years. Police said he was assigned there because of his positive attitude and ability to relate to people.

You can now customize your WPXI News App to receive alerts to breaking news. CLICK HERE to find out how.

Schubert’s statement went on to say:

"In his time here he left an indelible mark on his brother and sister officers, as well as the community he served. He was known for his quick smile, ever-optimistic attitude and for his career-long focus on community policing. He was a model officer. He made it a priority to connect with residents, and succeeded in doing so."

"He was only there to help people and save lives. Now he’s gone," said Brenda Jones, the vice president of the Northview Heights Citizen Council.

Jones and the rest of her community are trying to comprehend Hall's death and realizing that they won't see him in the neighborhood anymore.

"He talked to a lot of kids, and they asked him how to be a police officer, and they said when they grow up, that’s what they want to be," Jones said.

RELATED HEADLINES:

"Anyone in need of help he would be right there to help them, and that’s what I’m going to miss," Jones said.

Hall's family issued a statement on Thursday. It said, in part:

"We would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and staff at UPMC Presbyterian who were involved in Officer Hall's care. You worked incredibly hard to try to save his life, and for that we will be forever grateful.

"We would like to thank all of officer Hall's extended family -- the men and women in blue. Your support, love, and kind words will be imprinted on our hearts forever."

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL STATEMENT FROM OFFICER'S HALL'S FAMILY

Officials said Hall previously worked for the Braddock Police Department and had also worked as a police officer for Point Park University.

Jeffrey Besong, assistant vice president and chief of police for Point Park University, said the following of Hall:

"Calvin Hall made his mark as an exceptional police officer in his two years with the Point Park University Police Department. I hired him with the hope that he would be part of the Point Park family for years to come, but the Pittsburgh Police came calling, as they saw the same things in him that I did. There is no shortage of people who loved Calvin, and we join them in mourning this terrible loss. Our hearts are with his family, and his brothers and sisters with the Pittsburgh Police. This city has lost a great servant and ambassador."

Besong said Hall was named Point Park’s Officer of the Month for September 2017.

Hall will receive full burial honors, police said.

RELATED STORY: Local police officers who have died both on and off duty

Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto released the following statement:

"On behalf of all residents of the City of Pittsburgh I want to express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and coworkers of Officer Hall, a man who was deeply committed to his public service to the community. The coming days will once again be difficult ones for our city, as we come together to mourn in pain and sadness."

Peduto has ordered all flags at city facilities to fly at half-staff through Hall’s funeral.

Schubert said Hall’s death is being investigated as a homicide. No arrests have been made.

“We are investigating the strong possibility, based on gathered evidence, that Officer Hall, who was off duty, was in fact acting under the color of the law when he was fatally shot,” Schubert said.

Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman released the following statement:

"It's heartbreaking and I want everyone to know that he served our community with the utmost integrity, professionalism and empathy.

"He was a supreme credit to our force, as I'm sure he was to the City of Pittsburgh. It's my understanding that he was shot while trying to break up a fight. That is wholly consistent with his character."

The Fraternal Order of Police Fort Pitt Lodge No. 1 is also remembering Hall:

"Brother Hall is remembered as a dedicated, professional, and congenial person dedicated to assisting the citizen of Pittsburgh.  He was committed to his family and could be relied upon both personally and professionally because he went above and beyond to assist others."

So is the South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace:

"We urge every resident of the city of Pittsburgh to assist in the apprehension of the shooter by coming forth with any information that will lead to solving this heinous crime. Let us all work together for positive change in gun control and other services to provide alternatives to violence in our communities. Let us pray for peace in the city of Pittsburgh and promote love amongst our neighbors throughout this difficult time and all times. Let Officer Hall's death not be in vain but be remembered as a turning point for positive change."

Officials with the USSIE Summer Games said the event was cancelled in light of the death of Officer Hall. The games were a way for police officers to interact with the community through events like tug-of-war, balloon tosses, and dodge ball among others.

Procession

It was an emotional day on Wednesday for the men and women of the Pittsburgh Police Department.

Officer Hall was escorted to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Officer.

Dozens of officers lined up at the entrance of UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and ME's office for a final salute.

The Investigation

The police chief released a statement saying, "We are investigating the strong possibility, based on gathered evidence, that Officer Hall, who was off duty, was in fact acting under the color of the law when he was fatally shot."

Witnesses told Channel 11 Hall was trying to break up an argument between people on Monticello Street. Moments later, he was shot three times in the back.

Witnesses said Hall was visiting family members and was told someone was waving a gun at them.

Police said they are trying to maintain the integrity of the investigation, so information may be slow to come out.

Alleged Shooter Arrested

Monday afternoon, police announced charges against Christian Bey. He had been in police custody for several days for violating his parole.

The court documents outlining the investigation remain sealed.