Police Thwart Shooting Outside School With Assistance from Community

Published on September 28, 2023

Date: September 28, 2023
Incident Type: Arrests
Location: Zone 5
Summary:

Just before 2:30 p.m. on September 15, 2023 multiple police units from Zone 5 were dispatched to Westinghouse Academy for a report of a suspicious vehicle circling the school as students were preparing for dismissal.

A bus driver and a concerned parent reported to Pittsburgh Public School Police that they had observed a grey SUV circling the area with at least three males inside who were wearing masks.

At about 2:50 p.m. Pittsburgh Police spotted a vehicle by that description travel across N. Murtland near the school at a high rate of speed and driving recklessly through the area as students were walking in the streets.

Officers initiated a traffic stop with lights and sirens in the 6800 block of Frankstown Ave. The driver refused to stop until it reached Frankstown Ave. and Washington Blvd. Officers ordered the driver to put the vehicle in park and throw the keys out the window. The three males inside the vehicle were detained and searched for weapons, with negative results.

Officers searched the vehicle, which was discovered to have been reported stolen, and recovered a firearm and a spent shell casing. In the trunk, they found a gas canister and a large cloth wick; incendiary materials that are often used to burn vehicles that are stolen or used in violent crimes.

All three juveniles were transported for questioning. Two of the juveniles were arrested and charged with multiple counts, including receiving stolen property, firearms not to be carried without a license, driving without a license, incendiary devices and reckless driving.

The third was released to the custody of a guardian.

Pittsburgh Police would like to acknowledge the quick actions of observant individuals who reported suspicious activity and very likely prevented a crime.

Reporting PIO: Cara Cruz

2023-09-28
PIO@pittsburghpa.gov