Bureau of Police Addresses Use of Force Incident During Arrest

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police was made aware of video circulating online showing an officer using force on an individual during an arrest in Zone 5. As is standard procedure any time one of our officers uses force, we began an internal review of this incident and were able to confirm that all officers on scene had their body worn cameras activated. Due to concerns raised by several community partners, this incident has been referred to a use of force expert from the Pennsylvania State Police to determine the appropriateness of the force applied.

On April 15, 2026, shortly after 7:00 p.m., officers were responding to community complaints of drug use in an abandoned structure in the 7200 block of Forest Way when they encountered two individuals who were in possession of drug paraphernalia.

One of those individuals, Angel Bradford, 28, attempted to flee on foot when she saw officers approach. Officers pursued Bradford and were able to take her into custody in an open field nearby.

 

Police body camera footage showed Bradford continuing to offer resistance as officers attempted to escort her to a police car. One officer can be heard stating to Bradford "Stop trying to bite me." Moments later, that same officer can be heard telling Bradford "Let go of my leg," before the officer struck Bradford one time in the face. Bradford was then escorted to a police car where EMS responded to evaluate her. Following that medical evaluation, Bradford was transported to the Allegheny County Jail, where she was charged with Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, Tampering with Evidence, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct.

We want to assure our residents that we take all situations involving use of force seriously. We have heard the community's concern over this particular incident. We have also been in close communication with a number of our community advocates to reassure them there will be a thorough and impartial investigation into this incident. We respectfully ask for the community's patience as we await the findings of the PA State Police review of this incident.