Rewards for suspect in McKeesport police shooting total $15K

A combined $15,000 in reward money has been offered for information leading to the apprehension of Koby Lee Francis, the man wanted in the Sunday afternoon shooting of a McKeesport police officer.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives announced Wednesday it is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts of the 22-year-old McKeesport man, who is accused of shooting Officer Geriasimo Athans, 32, outside the McKeesport police station.

According to Allegheny County Police, Richard Bazzy, owner of Shults Ford car dealerships, has offered an additional $5,000 reward for similar information about Francis.

According to court documents, Athans and another McKeesport officer took Francis into custody at about 4 p.m. Sunday when Francis was accused of violating a protection from abuse order served little more than an hour earlier.

County police said Francis was searched but somehow kept a firearm. Francis is accused of using the revolver to fire at Athans as the officer attempted to remove the suspect from the back seat of a police vehicle outside the McKeesport station.

Athans, who returned fire as Francis took off, was taken to UPMC Presbyterian hopsital with gunshot wounds to his neck and left shoulder.

According to authorities, Francis, who is black, is 6 feet, 2 inches tall with a thin build, black hair and brown eyes.

Police said he was wearing handcuffs when he escaped and was clad in a black hoodie, camouflage pants and black shoes with white soles.

Anyone with information about Francis is asked to call the county police tip line at 833-255-8477.

Anyone who sees the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous, is advised to call 911.