Black man shot during struggle with police wins partial verdict
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh prosecutors are weighing their next move after a black man left paralyzed when he was shot by a white Pittsburgh police officer was acquitted of aggravated assault and jurors hung on the remaining charges.
The judge declared a mistrial in the criminal trial of 21-year-old Leon Ford.
Police have said Ford was shot during a struggle with officers when he tried to drive way during a November 2012 traffic stop.
Ford’s attorneys say police confused him with a wanted gang member.
The paper says Officer David Derbish testified Ford tried to push him out an open door as the vehicle was moving.
Ford is pursuing a civil lawsuit over the incident.