911 didn’t warn police in Pittsburgh of guns

Published 5:00 am Wednesday, April 8, 2009

PITTSBURGH — Three police officers killed while answering a call about a woman fighting with her son didn’t know the man had weapons, but a 911 operator did.

The operator didn’t relay even the basic information she had to police dispatchers, the official in charge of county dispatchers said Tuesday. She is now on paid administrative leave and is receiving counseling because supervisors are concerned about her well-being.

The three officers killed Saturday morning will lie in state at the City-County Building today, and all three will be honored at a memorial service Thursday. Richard Poplawski, 22, is under close observation at the Allegheny County jail on criminal homicide, attempted homicide and other charges.

Marketplace