DA investigates inmate beating

GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — The district attorney was investigating a report that a handcuffed inmate was beaten by three guards at the Westmoreland County Prison.

The guards, who were not identified, have not been charged.

The investigation began when Shawn Crider, 40, of Kettering, Ohio, appeared before a county judge on Sept. 5. The judge questioned fresh bruises he saw on Crider, who told the judge he was beaten by guards while he was being booked.

Judge Richard McCormick Jr. referred the matter to District Attorney John Peck, who told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Friday that an investigation was under way. Warden John Walton said he did not learn of the allegations until last week.

Mount Pleasant police said Crider was very drunk when he came to the police station and asked if he could get a ride to a hospital detox unit on Sept. 2. Police arrested Crider when a records check showed he had an outstanding warrant and he was taken to the county prison.