Rosfeld trial will bring traffic restrictions to Downtown Pittsburgh streets

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich said traffic will be restricted on streets around the perimeter of the Allegheny County Courthouse during the trial of former police officer Michael Rosfeld starting next week.

Hissrich said restrictions will be in place only during trial sessions, which are expected to run from morning into the evening.

“I have to be concerned about the safety of the building,” Hissrich said Tuesday.

He said he would release specific details next week. The trial is set to begin March 19.

Downtown drivers can expect traffic delays, particularly those heading to PPG Paints Arena for NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships on March 21 through 23. Two-time NCAA wrestling champion Vincenzo Joseph, a Penn State junior and son of Pittsburgh Police Major Crimes Commander Vic Joseph, will be seeking a third title during the championships.

Police are aware of the major event, Public Safety spokesman Chris Togneri said.

“Public Safety prepares for every type of event in the city, including collegiate national championship wrestling tournaments,” he said.

Hissrich and other city officials met Tuesday with Downtown business owners, utility companies and hospitals to answer questions about preparations for the upcoming trial. He said they also discussed Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration, the wrestling tournament and the city’s annual Pride parade and river regatta.

Rosfeld, a former East Pittsburgh police officer, is facing a homicide charge for the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Antwon Rose during a felony traffic stop in June. Jury selection in the case started Tuesday morning at the Dauphin County Courthouse in Harrisburg.