An Allegheny County constable has been temporarily relieved of his duties following an incident where two women managed to escape his vehicle. Constable John Edwards Mitchell's suspension was confirmed by a brief from the Allegheny County Sheriff's Office, released last night. The 5th Judicial District, responsible for this administrative order, cited that the suspension is in effect "pending further investigation," as detailed in reports by WPXI.

Last Saturday, Constable Mitchell transported two arrestees from the McKeesport Police Station to the Allegheny County Jail. During this transport, the two women, Alyssa Cunha, 19, and Rebecca Lynn Cunning, 47, found a way to liberate themselves from custody briefly. Despite being handcuffed and belted—though not shackled—in the back of a vehicle with barred windows and doors designed not to open from the inside, the women managed to escape. At the same time, the car was stopped at a traffic light on Mifflin Road at Mooney Road, according to a WTAE report.

Details on how the women managed to escape haven't been shared publicly. Both Cunha and Cunning were caught the same day, though their escape has raised concerns and questions about the safety of prisoner transport procedures.

After such incidents, all procedures are closely examined to prevent custody breaches and maintain public trust. As the investigation continues, local news will provide updates on the findings and actions taken.