By Brian Bowling
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
PITTSBURGH, Pa. — 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.
Copyright 2009 Pittsburgh Tribune Review
For more: Do you have hte right to flip off a cop? in Time Magazine