APNewsBreak: FBI launches investigation into Pittsburgh police accused of beating teen

FBI investigating Pittsburgh arts student beating

PITTSBURGH — The FBI is looking into allegations that Pittsburgh police officers brutally beat an 18-year-old viola player.

FBI spokesman Jeff Killeen says the probe is in an early stage that will determine whether there’s “a potential violation of federal civil rights criminal laws” and the need for a more thorough investigation.

Killeen says the assessment has begun even though the bureau has not yet received a letter from Jordan Miles’ attorney formally requesting a criminal investigation.

Miles alleges undercover police beat him Jan. 12. Pictures taken by his mother show his face covered with bruises and his eye swollen shut. Terez Miles says the three white officers targeted her son because he is black.

The officers have been reassigned while the city investigates.