Pittsburgh police chief calls on judge after man accused of breaking officer's ankle is released – WPXI

PITTSBURGH — Harsh words from Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto after the man accused of breaking Pittsburgh police Sergeant Andrew Robinson's ankle while he was breaking up a fight at a South Side bar was released on bond on $1,000.

The judge had set Jonathan Morin's bail at $10,000, but he only had to post 10% to get out of jail.

“I can say with certainty that I will challenge the justice system and the people who live in it if it serves the safety of my officers. Whether they like it or not,” Scirotto said.

During a press conference at Pittsburgh Police headquarters Thursday morning, the police chief said he had called the judge who set the bail.

“He said it was a mistake, and I believe that. I believe it was a mistake in the way he reviewed the case and came to that decision,” Scirotto said.

Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala said at a press conference in his office Wednesday that he forced the owner of Oddball's to close after repeated arguments and other problems.

He also pointed out that the city has police problems and needs more police officers on Carson Street on weekends.

Due to retirements and resignations, the city is short over 100 officials.

Earle: Do you think that this is because there are not enough police officers working there?

Zappala: I think so. I think on the South Side, people are tired of hearing about budget cuts and things like that.

While the police chief expressed his joy at the district attorney's decision to close the bar, he disagreed with the district attorney regarding the number of additional officers.

The chief said that with ten officers dedicated to the Southside Entertainment Patrol and support from the FBI's Violence Prevention Unit, they have ample resources to accomplish the task.

He said there are sometimes as many as 25 officers on duty on the south side on weekends, but sources told 11 Investigates that number is often lower.

“I believe this number is appropriate given what awaits us when entrepreneurs are held accountable,” Scirotto said.

The chief said he spoke with the injured officer the other day. He said he had surgery and would need months to recover.

This is a major loss for the department as this officer leads patrols on Carson Street.

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