Charges filed against off-duty Center Township officer after man died while helping shooting victim

Taylor Hall,Rich Pierce
·2 min read

Charges have been filed against an off-duty Center Township police officer after a man died while helping a shooting victim at Walmart in Center Township last year.

>> State police investigating death at shooting scene outside Beaver County Walmart

Kenneth Vinyard, who was 48 at the time, died on Nov. 6, 2022, after being tackled by an off-duty officer.

Kenneth Vinyard
Kenneth Vinyard

>> Officer accused of tackling man who died after incident at Beaver County Walmart on leave

Officer John Hawk, 37, is now facing charges in Vinyard’s death.

In May, Center Township and Hawk agreed to settle a nearly $1 million lawsuit filed by Vinyard’s family.

>> Family of man who died helping shooting victim at local Walmart suing off-duty officer, township

A grand jury recommended that charges be filed against Hawk on Dec. 8, 2023.

“I can tell you that since this incident occurred, Mr. Hawk has been surprised. He was a police officer and he served for many years, proudly,” Hawk’s defense attorney Blaine Jones said.

Channel 11 spoke with Ashley Steele, Vinyard’s stepdaughter.

“My mom called me at work and I sobbed. I couldn’t believe it. I actually thought my mom was punking me because I had no idea it was going to happen,” Steele said.

Channel 11 asked Steele of the charges went far enough.

“Me personally, no. But, I can’t be selfish in this. I have to trust the Attorney General and their investigation on the decision they made that that is enough,” she said.

Hawk is facing numerous charges, including involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

Person killed in head-on crash in Shaler 1 person hurt in Sewickley Heights guest house explosion Mt. Oliver mother charged after sick 7-year-old tests positive for cocaine VIDEO: Pitt Volleyball sent off by fans ahead of 3rd straight Final Four appearance DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts