Published on January 28, 2026
UPDATE: Gary Cawley, 48, of Pittsburgh, faces felony and misdemeanor charges in relation to this incident. Those charges include burglary, criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, railroad vandalism, evading arrest, and possession of instruments of a crime.
Original post:
At approximately 1:00 p.m., Pittsburgh Bureau of Police from Zone 5 were dispatched to the 7100 block of Highland Drive regarding a report of an individual trespassing on the former VA site.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male inside the property who fled on foot. Officers tracked the individual to Allegheny River Boulevard. Despite repeated verbal commands, the individual repeatedly walked onto the ice on the river. Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS River Rescue unit, Rescue 2, Unit 500 and 501, and Ice Rescue 5FR6 responded, alongside North Zone Fire and EMS, to assist the various public safety partners.
At approximately 4:00 p.m., the individual exited the ice and was taken into custody by officers in the 2600 block of Freeport Road in Harmar Township.
EMS transported the male to the hospital in stable condition.
Charges are expected.