Employee Robbed at Gunpoint in Downtown Pittsburgh Raises Security Concerns
- A city employee was robbed at gunpoint in a Downtown Pittsburgh parking lot.
- The incident raised concerns about security in the area.
- Police are searching for the suspect involved in the assault.
In Downtown Pittsburgh, police are on the lookout for a man accused of assaulting a person at a bus stop near Smithfield Street and Sixth Avenue on July 1. The victim reported that the suspect, described as highly intoxicated and disorderly, harassed people before attacking the victim with a glass bottle and a pocket knife, resulting in two head lacerations. The suspect, a 35 to 45-year-old, 6-foot-tall, 185-pound man with short hair, glasses, and a beard, remains at large. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the police at 412-255-2827. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Controller Rachael Heisler expressed concerns after one of her employees was robbed at gunpoint in Downtown Pittsburgh, and police allegedly failed to respond promptly to the incident. Heisler's letter to Mayor Ed Gainey highlighted the employee's harrowing experience of being robbed of cash at gunpoint while putting belongings in his vehicle. The lack of police response to the emergency call raised alarm about rising street violence in the area, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures. In response to the recent incidents, Pittsburgh police announced a new plan to bolster safety in Downtown Pittsburgh. The initiative includes deploying a high-visibility patrol car with lights on and increasing officer presence in the area to address the escalating violence. Mayor Gainey's administration emphasized its commitment to public safety, citing investments in the Downtown Public Safety Center, expanded officer presence during peak hours, and initiatives to address the root causes of violence. Acknowledging the need for continuous efforts to ensure the safety of all Pittsburgh residents, the Gainey administration reaffirmed its dedication to prioritizing public safety. Despite progress in reducing violence downtown post-COVID-19, recent incidents underscore the ongoing challenges, prompting a collective commitment to enhancing security measures and community safety initiatives in the city.