An Arnold police officer has been found not guilty of unlawfully killing a deer.
Jacob A. Pollick, 29, of Murrysville remains on unpaid leave from the city’s police force, however, while he still faces hearings on misdemeanor charges of intimidating a witness and tampering with evidence.
The state Game Commission charged Pollick on March 21 with the summary offense of unlawful killing or taking of big game. The commission said he shot an antlered whitetail deer during closed season Oct. 11 in the area of the Pittsburgh Mills mall in Frazer.
In separate criminal complaints, the commission alleges Pollick tried to hide deer skulls outside his home and encouraged a friend to lie if he was subpoenaed to testify.
Harmar District Judge David J. Sosovicka recused himself from Pollick’s summary trial Wednesday. The hearing was held before Senior District Judge Linda Zucco in Plum, who found Pollick not guilty.
According to court records, Pollick is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the tampering with evidence charge Tuesday before Murrysville District Judge Charles Conway.
His preliminary hearing on the charge of intimidating a witness is scheduled for May 3 before Brackenridge District Judge Carolyn S. Bengel.
Arnold Mayor Joe Bia II said Pollick will remain on unpaid leave “until he’s fully cleared.”
