Published on May 14, 2024
Date: May 14, 2024 Incident Type: Arrest Location: Zone 2 Summary:
Just after 4 p.m., officers on foot patrol in the area of Wood Street observed a stolen vehicle. Downtown Public Safety Center Officers were able to get behind the vehicle in a patrol car and on bicycles near the intersection of Wood St at Sixth. When officers activated lights and sirens, all four occupants bailed from the vehicle and fled on foot.
Two passengers were immediately detained. The other two males then ran toward Smithfield Street. Officers concentrated on apprehending the driver of the stolen vehicle. During the foot pursuit, the driver was observed grabbing two unknown females during his escape, attempting to use them as human shields as officers tried to deploy their tasers to apprehend him.
The suspect threw one of the females to the ground causing an officer to collide with her. She was unhurt, but the officer suffered a minor injury to his elbow as the actor continued to run away. Upon approaching Seventh Street, he was eventually tased and a stolen firearm slid from his waistband when he hit the ground. He was taken into custody at that time and transported to the hospital for medical clearance before going to the ACJ. A third passenger was picked up on a bus by PRT Officers.
Two of the passengers were juveniles who were taken to the Downtown Public Safety Center where their parents and Juvenile Probation were contacted. The third passenger - an adult - was identified and released.
The vehicle was towed from the scene.
The adult male driver was arrested. Multiple charges are forthcoming.
Reporting PIO: Cara Cruz
2024-05-14 PIO@pittsburghpa.gov