PENNSYLVANIA — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against Center Township police officer John J. Hawk for an off-duty assault that resulted in a man’s death last year outside a Walmart in Monaca. The 48-year-old victim died after he was knocked to the ground and his head hit the asphalt.
During the investigation, it is alleged that Hawk provided untruthful testimony about the incident before a Statewide Investigating Grand Jury. After months of hearing testimonies, the Grand Jury recommended charges including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment, and perjury.
Hawk, 37, turned himself in for arraignment on Wednesday when the charges were filed. He was arraigned and bail was set at $200,000 unsecured.
“This sworn officer’s actions caused the death of a man who did not present a threat of any kind on the day in question,” said Attorney General Henry. “A badge does not permit any officer to break the laws they are trusted to uphold. My office will hold public officials accountable when they harm citizens of the Commonwealth.”
On November 6, 2022, the 48-year-old victim was a bystander at a shooting scene outside the Walmart store in Center Township. As police investigated, the victim approached an officer with potential evidence. Hawk, off-duty and in casual clothing, confronted the victim and pulled him away from the officer.
Hawk did not identify himself as a police officer, display law enforcement credentials, or announce the victim as under arrest. Under Center Township Police Department policy, Hawk did not have the authority to arrest the man.
Shortly thereafter, Hawk struck the victim in the chest, knocking him to the ground. The victim died upon arrival at a hospital. The medical examiner determined that the blunt force trauma and accompanying stress inflicted by Hawk contributed to the death.
The investigation revealed that the victim was compliant, was not aggressive, and did not pose a physical threat to Hawk or anyone else. On-duty officers testified that Hawk was asked only to secure the scene perimeter.
The Grand Jury found no legal justification for Hawk’s use of force against the victim.
All charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Evan Lowry.
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