Man claims he’s denied mental-health care

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The man charged with killing three Pittsburgh police officers said Monday that he is mentally ill and is being denied social and mental health services in jail.

“I have been denied a viable psychiatric treatment plan, I have been denied access to legal counsel, I have been denied access to religious services, I have been denied access to social services,” Richard Poplawski told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in his first interview since his April arrest. “This is all with my behavior being very good.”

Poplawski, 22, said he was sedated and strapped to a table May 8 after he pounded on a window in his cell at the Allegheny County Jail.

Poplawski is charged with shooting Pittsburgh police officers Stephen Mayhle, Paul Sciullo II and Eric Kelly on April 4.

According to police, Poplawski and his mother had argument and she called 911. Poplawski laid in wait for police to arrive and then fired on them as they approached the house, authorities said.