FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 6, 2023
DISTRICT ATTORNEY ZAPPALA DETERMINES USE OF DEADLY FORCE BY STATE TROOPERS JUSTIFIED
PITTSBURGH — District Attorney, Stephen A. Zappala, Jr. and the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office announced that the use of deadly force by the Pennsylvania State Police officers was justified in the case of Zachary Cervice, of Fawn Township.
“After a thorough and independent investigation, and careful analysis of the evidence and circumstances, it was determined that deadly force by the troopers involved was justified,” DA Zappala said in a letter to state police, county police and Cervice’s family. “Therefore, no criminal charges will be filed.”
In a latest video briefing, DA Zappala relays the details of the Oct. 31, 2022 incident that resulted in the death of Cervice. State police were responding to a domestic dispute when Cervice approached the scene, directing a weapon at officers.
“In our society we have taken the appropriate steps to make sure that, as objectively as possible, you’re able to see what the officers were presented with and what the civilians were presented with,” DA Zappala said in the briefing.
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The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office serves an population of approximately 1.2 million people, and is one of the largest jurisdictions in the United States of America at 740 sq. miles. It employs over 200 employees, including over 100 attorneys, detectives, crime scene analysts and support staff. The District Attorney’s Office serves as the Chief Law Enforcement Office of the county and accepts referrals from more than 100 active police departments including the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, the Allegheny County Police Department and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department. For more information, visit alleghenycountyda.us.
Communications Department
Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office