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No Charges Filed In Police K-9 Taunting Incident

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's been two weeks since the Oakland Raiders were in town to play the Pittsburgh Steelers, but one Raider has been in the news ever since.

The sheriff's department was investigating Ray-Ray Armstrong for allegedly taunting a police dog at Heinz Field, even considering charges.

District Attorney Steve Zappala is concerned about the actions of the NFL player, especially considering the heightened security concerns these days and the value of police dogs. However, he said it is not a criminal matter, and no charges will be filed.

The incident drew national attention. Oakland Raider reserve linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong was accused of taunting a police dog at a Steeler game on November 8th.

"The player exited the locker room, was heading to the entrance of the field," Chief Deputy Kevin Kraus said. "He directly engaged one of our police dogs and police officers in a very threatening and intimidating manner."

There was discussion about possible felony charges of taunting a dog and even summary disorderly conduct charges.

However, following nearly a two week investigation, the district attorney's office released this statement:

"The district attorney and the sheriff agree this was not a malicious act, but did create an unnecessary security risk. The office will communicate the authorities in California as to how we can address this matter."

The bottom line is there will be no criminal charges filed against Ray-Ray Armstrong.

The district attorney's office will reach out to prosecutors in Oakland to try to determine if the player can be asked to do the right thing. Maybe some community service, maybe spend some time with police dogs, maybe issue an apology. But none of that has been discussed yet with the authorities in California, the Oakland Raiders or the player.

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