Beaver County police officer charged in 2022 death of bystander at shooting scene

A Beaver County police officer accused of assaulting a man who later died is facing an involuntary manslaughter charge, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

A grand jury recommended charging former Center police officer John J. Hawk, 37, with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, simple assault, reckless endangerment and perjury.

Charges were filed Wednesday and Hawk turned in himself for arraignment, Attorney General Michelle Henry said. He was released on a $200,000 unsecured bond.

“This sworn officer’s actions caused the death of a man who did not present a threat of any kind on the day in question,” Henry said. “Law enforcement officers take an oath to protect and serve, and a badge does not permit any officer to break the laws they are trusted to uphold.”

Authorities said Kenneth E. Vinyard, 48, of Industry, had been a bystander at a shooting outside a Walmart store in Center on Nov. 6, 2022, Henry said. As police investigated, Vinyard approached an officer about potential evidence. Hawk, who was off-duty and wearing casual clothing at the time, confronted the victim and pulled him away from the officer.

Later, Hawk struck Vinyard in the chest while performing a leg-sweep maneuver, knocking him to the ground and causing him to hit his head on the asphalt, Henry said.

The victim died upon arrival at the hospital, Henry said.

During the investigation that followed, Hawk is accused of being untruthful while testifying about the incident before the grand jury.