Crime & Safety

Chief Fruecht Reflects Wounded Officer Kuzak's Police Work

A former Peters police officer was wounded on the job in Clairton late Monday night.

"He was out there always hunting," said Peters police Chief Harry Fruecht as he reflected on the career of former Peters police Officer James Kuzak, who spent 13 years with the force.

Now a policeman in Clairton, Kuzak, 39, remains in critical condition, according to police, after he was shot in the chest as he was responding to a home invasion in that city late Monday night.

Kuzak joined the in 1997 and resigned last June 1, according to Fruecht. 

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"Jimmy was a very aggressive officer when he worked for us," Fruecht said. "He was never the kind of officer who just sat in his car. He was always searching." 

A part-time Clairton officer, Kuzak is also a detective for the Washington County District Attorney's office, according to WTAE. 

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"Please pray for Officer Kuzak and his family," District Attorney Steve Toprani posted on his Facebook page. "Jimmy is one of the best in law enforcement and is great friend. Our love and thoughts to the Kuzak family."

A fund to help in Kuzak's recovery has been set up through PNC Bank. Donations can be mailed to James Kuzak Jr. Benefit Fund, P.O. Box 225, Clairton, PA 15025.

Also, a candlelight prayer vigil is being held Friday, April 8 at Clairton Park, Park's Lodge. Visit the Facebook event page.

"He lived, ate, breathed police work," Freucht said. "That's just kind of cop he was. I wish him all the best. I hope everything works the best it can."

Police have found and arrested one suspect from the home invasion, 21-year-old Myles J. Hutchinson, according to WTAE. They are still on the search for the second intruder. 

The Allegheny County police are asking for the public’s help with identifying the second person involved. They released this description Wednesday: 

  • Bi-racial male with a light complexion.
  • Approximately 5'9 and 150 lbs., thin build
  • Long, dark hair, shoulder length in a braided ponytail
  • Believed to be in his early 20s.

Anyone with information about this person, or a person fitting this description, is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Homicide Unit at 412-473-1300.


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