HARRISBURG, PA — A former Center Township police officer has been sentenced to five years of probation after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a 2022 incident outside a Beaver County Walmart that led to the death of a bystander.
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that John J. Hawk, 38, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to involuntary manslaughter, simple assault, and reckless endangerment for his actions against Kenneth Vinyard. Hawk entered his plea just before trial was set to begin, following jury selection on Monday. There was no sentencing agreement between prosecutors and the defense.
According to the Office of Attorney General, Vinyard was a bystander at a shooting scene outside the Center Township Walmart on November 6, 2022. While attempting to provide evidence to an on-duty officer, Vinyard was confronted by Hawk, who was off-duty and in civilian clothing. Hawk forcefully pulled Vinyard away and then struck him in the chest while performing a leg-sweep maneuver, causing him to fall. Vinyard died shortly after arriving at a local hospital. A medical examiner determined that the blunt force trauma and stress contributed to his death.
“This sworn officer’s actions contributed to the death of a man who was not a threat to anyone at the scene,” Attorney General Sunday said. “My team was fully prepared to try this case, but after jury selection, we were informed the defendant wished to plead guilty.”
At the sentencing hearing, Vinyard’s family described him as the “glue” that held them together, emphasizing the deep personal loss they continue to endure.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry and Senior Deputy Attorney General Kara Rice, following an investigation that included a presentment from a Statewide Investigating Grand Jury.
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