Pittsburgh Police, Fire, and EMS Dispatched to Carjacking and Hostage
Published on September 13, 2024
Date: September 13, 2024
Incident Type: Carjacking & Hostage Situation
Location: Zone 3
Summary:
Just after 3:30 p.m. on September 12, 2024, Pittsburgh Police from Zone 3 were flagged down in the 300 block of Knox Avenue by an adult male victim who had recently been carjacked. He reported that his Chevy Equinox was stolen by an adult female actor.
The vehicle was quickly found approximately a half-mile away on Brownsville Road and officers shortly thereafter located the female actor in the 200 block of Moore Avenue. The female had her two children with her—a four-year-old male and a ten-year-old female.
When officers approached the actor, she brandished a knife and held her children as hostages at knife point.
In an attempt to disarm the female and safeguard the welfare of the children, an officer on scene deployed a taser. In the process, the ten-year-old female was inadvertently struck in the head by one of the taser prongs. The child suffered a minor laceration to her scalp and subsequently had a seizure at the scene.
Officers rendered aid to the female child until Pittsburgh EMS responded. She was transported in stable condition to Children’s Hospital. She has since been released from the hospital and is in the care of a relative.
The four-year-old male child was safely placed in the custody of a relative.
Gwendolyn Gilmore, 48, was placed in custody and taken to an area hospital for medical clearance before being transported to the Allegheny County Jail. She faces a number of felony and misdemeanor charges including theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, and endangering the welfare of children.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police reviews all use of force incidents that occur in the city and involve Pittsburgh Police officers. As such, an extensive review of the officer's tactics from yesterday will be conducted to ensure reasonable force was used.
Reporting PIO: Emily Bourne
2024-09-13
PIO@pittsburghpa.gov