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Proclamation commending Port Authority Police Detective Sergeant William Wagner for his decisive action on March 23, 2015 at the Sheraden Park N' Ride lot.
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WHEREAS, police officers throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Allegheny County are dedicated to protecting and serving our communities; and
WHEREAS, Port Authority Police Detective Sergeant William Wagner caught Joseph Dwinga, 21, using heroin in the Sheraden Park 'N Ride lot on the afternoon of March 23, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Dwinga had a pocketknife and drug paraphernalia in his hands when Sgt. Wagner identified himself as a police officer, instructing Dwinga to put the knife down. As Sgt. Wagner attempted to take Dwinga into custody, the suspect threw his SUV into reverse, hitting the police officer with the door and pinning him against another vehicle. As Dwinga sped off, Sgt. Wagner fired two shots, both of which struck the SUV; and
WHEREAS, after a 20-minute chase across the West End Bridge, to the North Shore and back to the South Side, City police officers stopped Dwinga near the intersection of Second and East Carson streets. A gun was clearly visible on the back seat; and
WHEREAS, Dwinga will stand trial for the attempted murder of a police officer and aggravated assault, among other charges;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Allegheny County Council does hereby recognize and bestow our highest commendation to Sgt. William Wagner for his courage, dedication and commitment to serving and protecting Port Authority riders, the transit system, and our communities. Sgt. Wagner's actions bring great credit to himself, the Port Authority Police Department and Allegheny County.