Investigation underway after Donora man dies after police encounter
State police are handling an investigation into Donora’s police department after a man died last week following an encounter with an officer.
According to a report from the office of the Allegheny County Medical Examiner, 57-year-old John F. Miller died at 10:55 p.m. March 22 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh. Miller had been hospitalized several days prior after he had become unresponsive, “while in police custody,” the report states.
The medical examiner’s report says the incident occurred shortly before 10 p.m. March 17. Social media posts suggest that a Donora police officer had used a Taser on Miller. Further details about what occurred were not immediately available.
On Friday, both Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh and Donora police Chief Mark Shemansky confirmed that the state police Belle Vernon barracks is investigating the use of force.
“(State police) are in possession of all the documents and body camera footage,” Shemansky said.
There is currently a GoFundMe campaign to help with the costs of Miller’s funeral arrangements.
“John is deeply loved and known by many across different communities, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who has had the pleasure of knowing him,” reads the description of the fundraiser.
As of 1:30 p.m. Friday, the GoFundMe had raised more than $3,800 of its $6,000 goal.