Gunman sought after Pennsylvania police officer killed in traffic stop
— -- New Kensington police released a name and image early Sunday of the man they are searching for in the fatal shooting of a police officer in western Pennsylvania.
The suspect in the shooting was identified as Rahmael Sal Holt, 29, and said he is expected to be "armed and dangerous."
They released an image of Holt on Twitter.
Earlier in the day Saturday, police announced they had found a vehicle they believe was involved in the killing of a Pennsylvania cop during a traffic stop, officials said.
"We were able to find and seize the vehicle that we believe to be involved in this incident," New Kensington Police Chief James Klein said. "The investigation into the vehicle’s full involvement and the occupants that were in the vehicle is ongoing at this time."
The discovery came after an announcement that the reward offered for information leading to an arrest of the gunman rose to $40,000 on Saturday, as an intense manhunt continued.
The shooting happened around 8 p.m. ET Friday in New Kensington, about 18 miles from Pittsburgh. Officer Brian Shaw was shot after a traffic stop led to him pursuing someone on foot, according to authorities.
Police later found an unoccupied Jeep Grand Cherokee not far from the scene that was wanted in connection with the shooting.
Shaw was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later, authorities said. The 25-year-old officer had been with the New Kensington Police Department for less than a year
Shaw's body was transported to a funeral home in Lower Burrell on Saturday afternoon after an autopsy was conducted.
"I can tell you standing there listening to the officers share stories about how he was vibrant, how he brought smiles and entertainment and wit and humor into their lives, he was obviously a very special person just by listening to how they talked about him," Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Steven Limani said at a press conference Saturday.
Limani would not discuss other details of the case, including the reason for the traffic stop, saying it could compromise the ongoing investigation.
Several law enforcement agencies are involved in the ongoing search for the suspect. Westmoreland County detectives are leading the investigation and the FBI is assisting.
The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) initially offered a $30,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. On Saturday, the ATF increased its offer and the U.S. Marshals Service offered an additional $5,000, bringing the total reward to $40,000, authorities said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
