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Officer Wants Pittsburgh To Pay Damages

PITTSBRUGH, PA – A Pittsburgh police officer accused in a federal lawsuit of pistol-whipping and shooting a South Side man says the city should pick up the cost of any damages awarded against him.

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Paul Abel said in a court filing Monday that he was acting in good faith as a police officer on June 28, 2008, when he arrested Kaleb Miller. Miller sued the city and Abel for false imprisonment and excessive force, claiming he was shielding the back of his head with his right hand when Abel’s pistol fired and injured his hand.

Abel’s response said that he was aiming a blow at Miller’s shoulder when the gun went off.

Abel was acquitted of charges of aggravated assault and related crimes that were filed in connection with the incident. Police spokeswoman Diane Richard said Abel has been reinstated.