Officer Charged With "Official Oppression" After Threatening Motorist

A slight abuse of power

A part-time Whitaker police officer was charged on Friday with official oppression, attempted extortion and related crimes after being accused of using his gun to break a female motorist's window and threatening to send her to jail if she did not admit responsibility and pay for the damage.

Willliam S. Davis, 35, was charged by investigators from the Allegheny County District Attorney's Office after an investigation surrounding events that occurred about 9 p.m. June 27, when Davis was in plainclothes and riding in an unmarked police vehicle.

"I'm really surprised," Whitaker Councilman Jack Esken said when told of the charges. "I hadn't heard any complaints about him from any citizens. I thought he was doing an excellent job. He's not one to sit around."