Watch CBS News

City Councilman Calling For Chief To Put On Leave Of Absence

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A city councilman is now calling on Mayor Luke Ravenstahl to put Pittsburgh Police Chief Nate Harper on a leave of absence.

Meanwhile, the KDKA Investigators have learned the FBI is on the move again, gathering more records related to the police department.

Sources confirm the FBI took documents from the credit union related to the special events account of the police department, took records of deposits and withdrawals made from that account, including the transactions of Chief Harper.

Sources confirm the chief closed out an account in the last few weeks. Meanwhile, the mayor continues to support Chief Harper.

"I'm confident right now that he's still leading the bureau in a way that's acceptable to me," Mayor Ravenstahl said on Wednesday.

On the streets of Mount Washington Thursday, while passing out Valentine 's Day cookies, mayoral candidate Bill Peduto said he believes the police chief knows where the bodies are buried; and it's probably wise for Mayor Ravenstahl to stay in his good graces while a federal grand jury is investigating.

"It really calls into question why?" said Peduto. "In this case, police chiefs know a lot of information, and if you're continually putting yourself out there to say, 'we are not going to serve in the best interest of this City of Pittsburgh,' its draws the conclusion you are serving the best interest of yourself."

Peduto says it's time for the mayor to send Chief Harper home.

"He should have said to the chief, 'You need the time to concentrate on this. You should take a leave of absence. We'll take care of you while you're on your leave of absence. Hopefully, everything works out okay; you'll be back. If it doesn't work out okay, you'll be terminated."

RELATED LINKS:
Mayor Ravenstahl Reacts To Raid Of Police Headquarters (2/13/13)
Other Related Stories

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.