Judge Dismisses Lawsuit In Death Of Blair Co., Corrections Officer

A federal judge has dismissed the lawsuit concerning the 2021 death of Blair County corrections officer Rhonda Russell, who was killed by a police sergeant during a hostage situation. The ruling concluded that the actions taken by Altoona Police Sergeant George Bistline, who fired the fatal shot, met constitutional standards of “reasonableness”.  Russell was shot and killed on duty, by Officer Bistline, after being taken hostage by inmate Christopher Aikens.  Aikens took Russell hostage after the two were left alone in a holding cell area at Blair Central Court in Altoona.  Bistline went to the holding cell to help, when Aikens used Russell as a human shield, took her gun and pointed it at the officer.  Bistline retreated, pulled his gun and killed Russell instead of Aikens.  Reportedly, all claims are dismissed with prejudice, meaning the suit cannot be refiled, except for civil charges against Bistline’s estate, and the city of Altoona.