Jury Selected For Man Accused In K-9 Officer's Fatal Stabbing
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A jury has been selected in the trial of a man accused of fatally wounding a Pittsburgh Police dog and injuring several other officers as they tried to arrest him.
In January, police were looking for 21-year-old John Rush because he was wanted for violation of an order to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law.
During a preliminary hearing in November, Pittsburgh Police Officer Phillip Lerza testified that when Rocco spotted Rush in a Lawrenceville basement, the dog made a head snap to the right indicating someone was there.
Seconds later, Rush came at Rocco swinging, hitting the dog in the back and face, and then came after Lerza and others.
When the fight ended, Lerza testified he noticed blood on Rocco's face, and then reached to pet him and found wetness, which he thought was water on the floor.
It turned out to be blood and Rocco died from his injuries two days later.
Also during the preliminary hearing, the prosecution added two more charges: flight to avoid apprehension and escape.
Opening arguments are expected to take place Tuesday morning.
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