I am pleased to acknowledge the selection of DEPUTY SHERIFF WAYNE DAVIN as Employee of the Month for JULY 2010.

 While serving writs in the East Hills section of Pittsburgh on June 9, 2010, Deputy Davin received information that Pittsburgh Police units were in pursuit of a silver Lincoln Navigator traveling outbound on Frankstown Road.  The driver, Sean Wright, had an impressive criminal record and provoked authorities in a similar cat and mouse chase years earlier.   It was dispatched that Wright was brandishing a firearm from out of his vehicle’s window.  Deputy Davin immediately prepared to encounter the vehicle and when it passed him moments later, he tailed the actor as the lead unit on the chase at that instant. 

The pursuit progressed though the East Hills, Penn Hills, Swissvale and Monroeville before culminating in the parking lot of Murrysview Plaza.  At that time, multiple law enforcement agencies had become involved and vehicles were traveling at speeds over 65 miles per hour.  As City Police Units attempted to follow Wright into the shopping plaza lot, Deputy Davin proceeded to the opposite rear of the plaza to barricade the actor.  Deputy Davin witnessed the actor strike multiple police units including that of City Detective Brian Johnson.  Detective Johnson was wounded severely after being physically ejected from his unit from impact.  City Lieutenant Richard Pritchard, who was on foot outside of his vehicle, also sustained serious injuries when Wright knocked him into the air with his car. 

            Wright continued toward Deputy Davin, where he struck his marked unit on the driver’s side door.  Deputy Davin was trapped in his vehicle and face to face with the actor.  He withdrew his duty weapon and ordered the actor to show his hands and exit the vehicle.  Wright was taken into custody, as Deputy Davin held him at gunpoint.  Deputy Davin was subsequently taken to the hospital for injuries. The driver’s side window of Deputy Davin’s unit was completely shattered and his door was compressed from the collision. 

              Deputy Davin is commended for his bravery and skill the duration of this extensive pursuit, and for placing his life in ultimate jeopardy to assist in the apprehension of an extremely brazen, dangerous fugitive.  Wright currently faces multiple charges, including six counts of criminal attempted homicide, seven counts of aggravated assault and fleeing and eluding police. 

In recognition, Deputy Davin will be granted one full day off work, as long as no overtime is incurred.  Please join me in congratulating Deputy Davin for representing the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office with the highest of esteem throughout the course of this intense operation.