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Funeral held for man shot by police
State grant to let city acquire new K-9 to replace dog killed in police shootout
Tuesday, May 13, 2008

A 19-year-old Allentown man killed last week by Pittsburgh police in Mount Oliver was buried today after a fiery church service that drew more than 100 mourners.

Bishop Otis L. Carswell of Potter's House Cathedral in Mount Oliver said Justin J. Jackson's death one week ago spurred him to call for a broad "reformation" in Pittsburgh touching on a variety of things including police procedures, media coverage and black-on-black violence.

"There needs to be a reformation in our city, a straightening of something that is not quite right. The status quo can no longer work in our city. No more business as usual in our city," Bishop Carswell said.

Bishop Carswell was on the scene when Mr. Jackson was killed in the 1700 block of Arlington Avenue around 6:50 p.m. He said he and his wife had just driven by Mr. Jackson when the shooting occurred.

Pittsburgh police Officer Christian A. Sciulli shot Mr. Jackson dead after police said Mr. Jackson shot the officer's K-9 partner, Ulf.

Mr. Jackson's family has disputed the police account.

Also today, state Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park, announced that he has secured a Department of Community and Economic Development grant in the amount of $10,000 to cover the purchase and training of a new police dog.

Ulf was shot after Officer Sciulli released him when Mr. Jackson pulled out a gun, police said. The Fraternal Order of Police held a memorial service for Ulf Saturday.

"As we observed the memorial service for this valuable member of our local police force this past weekend we are reminded of the valor and vital police protection we as citizens are provided on a 24-hour basis, in our homes and communities," Mr. Ferlo said in a press release. The bureau can use the funding for any part of its efforts to secure, train, house and deploy a new K-9 officer.




More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

First published on May 13, 2008 at 9:33 am
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