Story Archive

Really Needs a Hand

Last June, Leechburg, Pa., Police Chief Michael Diebold was assisting with setting off the fireworks for the Fireman’s Carnival when a mortar misfired and exploded, taking off about half of his left arm. A firefighter ran to his side and used a belt as a tourniquet, saving his life; even with that quick action, doctors say Diebold lost about three-quarters of his blood. “It was as close to death as you could be,” Diebold said later. “I could honestly tell you I know what it feels like to die.” Yet he recovered, returned to duty, and stood to marry his high school sweetheart just 18 days after the accident. But now, Diebold, 40, says his life is “totally over” after admitting to investigators that he is the one posting online as “Kutecop4you” — and allegedly set up an appointment to meet a 14-year-old girl to “dominate” her during sex. The girl was actually an undercover cop, and Diebold was arrested when he showed up for the appointment. “Diebold admitted that he knew that sexual contact with a 14-year[-old] child was wrong and illegal,” investigators say, and “stated that he has been utilizing the Internet to post ads in the personal sections for the last several years.” (RC/WTAE Pittsburgh) ...So bottom line, it wasn’t the accident that made him less than a full man.