Police to disband in town where teen was killed as he fled

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The town where an unarmed teenager was shot and killed by an officer is disbanding its police department, and Pennsylvania State Police will provide police services there starting this weekend.

A state police spokeswoman confirmed that East Pittsburgh had sent a letter on Nov. 13 requesting patrol services. The town’s council had renewed long running discussions of disbanding the now five-person department in August shortly after an officer fatally shot 17-year-old Antwon Rose in the back as he fled a June traffic stop. Officer Michael Rosfeld has been charged with criminal homicide in the shooting.

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East Pittsburgh officials didn’t immediately return messages for comment Monday. State police will take over policing starting on Saturday.

State police are obligated under law to provide policing services when a municipality does not have a police department.