PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW

A federal judge today postponed a civil trial on claims by a Regent Square man that Pittsburgh does a poor job of training its police officers on civil rights.

The lawsuit stems from an April 2006 incident in which David Hackbart, 34, displayed his middle finger at a motorist and a city police officer. The officer cited him for disorderly conduct.

The county eventually dropped the criminal charge, but Hackbart sued to recover the cost of defending himself. He's also seeking punitive damages against the officer and the city.

Jury selection was starting in the trial before U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone announced the proceeding would be postponed until he issues an order rescheduling it.

Lawyers for both sides could not immediately be reached for comment.

Comments (4)

PirateSGT: ... I personally think that arresting the guy for disorderly conduct for shooting you the bird is BS. However, if it had happened to me I feel sure I would have found something to stop and write the guy for. I shoot the bird at cops all the time! Usuallly they get this funny look on their face and then realize who it was and wave back, with their middle finger. 1 September 16, 2009 NC270: ... Its never been against the law in NC, however in the old days it would have gotten you an old fashioned Butt Whupping.. 2 September 16, 2009 MT 55: ... We get called ugly vile and downright pornographic names to our face and behind our back; we get told by miscreant they pay our wages; we are reviled in newspapers and audio/video press; accused of wrongfully killing an "upstanding" citizen when they point a gun/knife/etc and being flipped off is an arrestable offense? 3 September 16, 2009 88pdx: ... They'd better rectify this before that Summit deal! 4 September 17, 2009

Write comment

You must be logged in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.