By Jason Cato
Tribune-Review

A federal judge on Friday declined to dismiss a lawsuit against Homestead and West Homestead police officers accused of beating and illegally arresting two men during the Steelers’ last Super Bowl appearance.

Joseph Ducar and Jeffrey Hruska claim they were assaulted and unlawfully arrested by officers who responded to calls of people blocking the street and setting off fireworks outside Duke’s Upper Deck Cafe in Homestead during halftime of Super Bowl XL in February 2006. Ducar owns the bar.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge David S. Cercone clears the way for both boroughs and several officers to face a civil trial on charges of excessive force and unlawful search and seizure.

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