Teen violinist alleges beating by plainclothes Pittsburgh police; 3 officers reassigned

Pittsburgh teen violinist alleges police brutality

PITTSBURGH — An 18-year-old violinist who attends a Pittsburgh performing arts high school says plainclothes officers beat him because they thought a bottle of soda in his coat was a gun.

Police charged Jordan Miles with assault and resisting arrest Jan. 11. The teen’s family and attorney say he was hospitalized after being hit with a stun gun, some hair yanked out and his gums pierced by a tree branch.

Pittsburgh Police spokeswoman Diane Richard says the three officers have been reassigned as the city investigates.

Miles attends the prestigious Creative and Performing Arts High School. He says he resisted because he thought the men were trying to abduct him and didn’t identify themselves as police.

The student is black, and the three officers are white. Police and the attorney aren’t commenting on whether race was a factor.