Driver of Officer Brian Shaw's killer wants $2,500 returned from New Kensington stop

A New Kensington man who police said drove the vehicle from which convicted cop killer Rahmael Holt ran before fatally shooting a city officer wants police to return $2,500 they seized from him.

A Westmoreland County judge on Thursday said he will conduct a hearing to reconsider the request from Tavon Harper, who in court documents contended that he was entitled to money police seized when he was arrested on charges that he helped Holt evade capture following the shooting of New Kensington police officer Brian Shaw in November 2017.

Harper, 29, served as a key witness against Holt during his murder trial last year in which he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for Shaw’s killing. During the investigation of Shaw’s murder, prosecutors said Harper identified Holt to police as the man who ran from his sport utility vehicle.

Westmoreland County prosecutors in December dismissed all charges against Harper, including allegations that he illegally sold marijuana.

Assistant District Attorney Jim Lazar said Thursday he objected to the request that police return to Harper the $2,500 that was seized following his arrest.

“He testified he was engaged in the practice of drug dealing. This money, it is our understanding, is derivative contraband,” Lazar said.

Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Scott Mears in June denied a similar request from Harper without a hearing.

The judge in March returned to Harper the SUV that he drove with Holt as a passenger on the night of the murder.

The judge said he will schedule a new hearing on Harper’s request for return of his money this year.