City Puts 3 Officers on Paid Admin. Leave

Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl says while he can not take final action or come to a conclusion on what happened at this time, he has decided to place the three officers involved in the beating of 18-year-old Jordan Miles on paid administrative leave. Miles says three plain-clothes officers who did not identify themselves as police beat him January 12th. The officers contend they thought Miles had a weapon. Ravenstahl says the incident has left the city deeply concerned, “the situation we, as one community, find ourselves in is a difficult one. As much as I believe it is appropriate to take action after all the facts are revealed, I feel it is necessary to restore a sense of safety, trust and peace in our communities.” Ravenstahl has asked the chief of police to place Richard Ewing, Michael Saldutte and David Sisak on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation by the Office of Municipal Investigations. He says investigations of this type, “often take months if not years,” but he has asked OMI to complete its work by the end of February. The office has told the mayor that is possible. Ravenstahl says the decision to put the officer on Paid Administrative leave is, “necessary for the safety of the officers involved, their colleagues and the peace of mind and safety of the entire community.” The Mayor would not comment on any threats that may have been made against the officers prompting his reaction. He says, “I ask that we all remain patient, and while we reach out to Jordan and his family in their hour of need, let us also pray for the safety of our officers and tolerance for all.”