In the early evening of October 12, 2011, a tragedy unfolded in the parking lot of a Dairy Queen in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, that would claim the life of a dedicated police officer. Derek Kotecki, a 40-year-old male and an 18-year veteran of the Lower Burrell Police Department, was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend a wanted fugitive. Kotecki, a respected K-9 officer, was among the officers who converged on the location after receiving a tip that the suspect would be there.
The man they were seeking was 33-year-old Charles 'Chunk' Post, who was wanted on charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault for allegedly shooting at his boss ten days prior. Post had a history of criminal charges and had made threats against police, stating he had a gun and was prepared to use it. As Officer Kotecki and his K-9 partner, Odin, approached the Jeep where Post was hiding in the back, Post opened fire through a window. Officer Kotecki was struck in the head, left arm, and abdomen and died from his injuries.
After shooting Officer Kotecki, Post attempted to flee but was cornered by other officers behind the restaurant. An exchange of gunfire ensued, and in the end, Post was also dead. An investigation later determined that Post died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. A toxicology report revealed the presence of multiple drugs in Post's system at the time of the incident, including cocaine, morphine, and Xanax.
In the aftermath of the shooting, an investigation led to the arrests of seven individuals who had aided Post while he was a fugitive. These individuals faced charges for hindering apprehension, criminal conspiracy, and illegal firearm transfers related to the. 40-caliber handgun Post used. Among those charged were Post's brother, Chad Post, as well as Amanda and Nicole Walters, who were accused of providing Post with food, money, and a cell phone while he was in hiding. Amanda Walters and Nicole Walters were both sentenced to two years of probation for their roles in assisting Post.
