ROBINSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Robinson Township police officer is facing assault charges after a run-in with a local business owner.
Court paperwork alleges that off-duty officer Steve Pies punched the man in the face following a traffic dispute back on July 2.
According to the criminal complaint, it started when Al Cannella, owner of Al’s Service, failed to yield to Pies when turning onto Forest Grove Road.
Cannella then drove to his business and Pies followed. Pies then, allegedly, got out of his truck and began yelling at Cannella before punching him in the face. Cannella fell into his own truck, fracturing multiple ribs.
“Me and a lot of other people I talked to were shocked that it happened to Al. Besides, he’s a big guy, he’s been around forever and a day,” Amy Bonasso said. She works next door to Al’s.
Cannella has operated the business for 40 years.
He told Channel 11 he did not want to comment on the incident at this time.
As for Officer Pies, the complaint states he admitted his involvement to a Sergeant.
People we spoke to told us they were discouraged that an officer was part of it.
“Very shocking to say the least. They’re supposed to keep us safe in the community,” Paige Kozdra said. “You should act with integrity outside of your job even if you’re not on the clock.”
We did reach out to Robinson Township Police about the status of Officer Pies. We were told the department was working on a statement. So far, we have not received it.
Pies is due in court on August 26.
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