Four arrests made and officer injured following escalation at West Mifflin memorial protest for Terrel Byars Jr.

A protest for 13-year-old Terrel Byars Jr. turned violent in West Mifflin on Sunday. Police used pepper spray and made four arrests after a confrontation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 4:57 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from TribLIVE

Memorial March Transitions into Confrontation on Kennywood Boulevard

What began as a peaceful demonstration in memory of a local teenager ended in arrests and injuries on Sunday afternoon. Friends and family of 13 year old Terrel “TJ” Byars Jr. gathered shortly after 1 p.m. at the Duquesne Police Department to begin a two mile memorial march. The group intended to end their demonstration at the Speedway on Kennywood Boulevard, the site where Byars was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle on December 27, 2025. However, the event escalated when the procession reached West Mifflin, leading to a significant police response and the temporary closure of the boulevard.

Police Deploy Pepper Spray During Unannounced Demonstration

West Mifflin police Chief Gregory McCulloch reported that the department was not notified of the march in advance, which resulted in protesters blocking major traffic lanes without a safety escort. When officers attempted to clear the roadway between Hoffman Boulevard and Glenn Street, a confrontation broke out. According to police, pepper spray was utilized when several individuals became aggressive toward officers. Four people were taken into custody during the scuffle, though specific charges and identities have not yet been released.

Officer Injured as Nearby Agencies Provide Mutual Aid

The intensity of the confrontation prompted West Mifflin authorities to request assistance from neighboring departments, including the Allegheny County Police. During the struggle to restore order, one West Mifflin officer sustained an injury. Chief McCulloch noted that while the officer was hurt, the injuries were not severe enough to require hospital transport. Borough Mayor Chris Kelly later issued a statement emphasizing that while the community recognizes the need for public grieving and closure, "civil disorder" creates barriers rather than fostering the unity intended by such memorials.