Suspect in custody after man found fatally stabbed along Montour Trail in Moon Township
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A suspect is in custody after a man was found fatally stabbed along the Montour Trail in Moon Township on Monday.
The Allegheny County Police Department said in a news release on Monday that officers were called to the trail near the 1900 block of Hassam Road around 3 p.m. for reports of an injured man. At the scene, first responders found a 44-year-old man who was stabbed.
He was taken to a local hospital, where he died. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office identified the man as Benjamin Brallier of Coraopolis.
According to court documents, Brallier was a Liquor Control Enforcement agent with the Pennsylvania State Police.
"The Pennsylvania State Police is heartbroken to confirm the tragic loss of one of our own, dedicated Liquor Enforcement Officer Benjamin Brallier, who was fatally stabbed while off-duty yesterday. With over 20 years of service, he was an exemplary officer and a devoted father and husband," said Col. Christopher Paris of Pennsylvania State Police.
Twenty-five-year-old Anthony Quesen was charged with homicide in connection with the deadly stabbing. The motive of the attack remains unclear.
Police said investigators found a bicycle and bag near where the man was found. County police initially asked for the public's help locating the owner of the yellow bicycle, but investigators later learned the items belonged to the suspect.
In a joint statement late Tuesday, the Montour Trail Council and Hollow Oak Land Trust want to assure "our trail users and the public that we believe the Montour Trail and the trails of the Montour Woods Conservation Area remain as safe and welcoming spaces for all."
"We remain dedicated to ensuring the safety of all who visit and use the Montour Trail and Montour Woods Conservation Area," the statement went on to say.
Anyone with information in connection with Monday's incident can call the county police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous, police said.