Off-duty liquor enforcement officer killed in Montour Trail stabbing
An off-duty state police liquor enforcement officer died Monday after he was stabbed on the Montour Trail in Moon Township, Allegheny County.
Court documents state that at about 3 p.m. Monday, Moon Township police were called to the trail near 1953 Hassam Road, where Benjamin Brallier was found lying on the ground and unresponsive.
Brallier, 44, was transported to Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital, where he was declared dead at 3:52 p.m. Homicide detectives with Allegheny County police saw what appeared to be multiple knife wounds on his back, chest and left hand.
On Tuesday, Allegheny County police filed a charge of criminal homicide against Anthony Quesen, 25. The criminal complaint indicates that Quesen is homeless, and does not provide an address.
At the scene of the stabbing, investigators discovered a trail of blood leading to a yellow bicycle.
Brallier’s wife told police that he was an “avid runner” and did not own a bicycle.
According to the complaint, police found a Pennsylvania ID for Quesen inside a bag near the bike, which police later determined belonged to the suspect.
At about 10 p.m. Monday, police found Quesen at the entrance to Montour Woods Conservation Area, a short walk from where Brallier was attacked, court documents state.
Police said that without being questioned, Quesen told them a man had stabbed him on the trail and stole his bag. Investigators found injuries on Quesen’s hands and blood on his clothing.
State police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris issued a statement confirming that Brallier was a “dedicated” liquor enforcement officer.
“With over 20 years of service, he was an exemplary officer and a devoted father and husband,” Paris said in an emailed statement.
The Montour Trail Council and Hollow Oak Land Trust issued a joint statement expressing condolences to Brallier’s loved ones. The organizations say they are cooperating fully with law enforcement.
“While we recognize the seriousness of what has occurred, we want to
assure our trail users and the public that we believe the Montour Trail
and the trails of the Montour Woods Conservation Area remain as safe and
welcoming spaces for all. The safety and well-being of our trail users
have always been top priorities for both organizations,” the statement reads.
A friend of Brallier’s family started a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help the family. As of Tuesday afternoon, the effort had raised more than $15,000 of its $25,000 goal.
According to the GoFundMe page, Brallier was married to Sarah Brallier and together they had two daughters.
“While Sarah is an extremely strong woman, there will be many hardships that arise as she navigates the months to come. These funds will ensure that Sarah and her girls can navigate those hardships a little easier,” reads the fundraiser description.
Quesen was arraigned Tuesday afternoon by a judge in Pittsburgh municipal court and sent to the Allegheny County Jail without bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 1.
The 47-mile Montour Trail passes through Washington and Allegheny counties, and connects to other rail-to-trails in the region.