Pittsburgh Police ensure officer presence on South Side this weekend

Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto announced that there will be a sufficient number of officers present on the South Side this weekend to ensure public safety, particularly along East Carson Street. This decision comes after an incident last weekend where Sergeant Andrew Robinson was injured during a confrontation outside Oddballs, a local bar, resulting in a broken leg and ankle. The police department typically deploys 25 officers on weekends, supplemented by an additional ten from the entertainment patrol. Chief Scirotto emphasized that the issues on the South Side are not due to a lack of police presence but rather the accountability of bar owners for the behavior of their patrons. He pointed out that 60% of arrests in the area involve individuals from outside the city, indicating a broader problem with how some bars operate. The chief expressed gratitude for the cooperation in holding problematic business owners accountable for their establishments. Following the fight at Oddballs, where multiple police reports have been filed since May, the bar's owners have agreed to close. However, the district attorney noted that their liquor license could be transferred to another location, raising concerns about the potential for similar issues to arise elsewhere. The situation is further complicated by the fact that the suspect involved in the fight was released from jail after paying only 10% of his bail, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing public safety in the area. Overall, the police department is taking proactive measures to address the situation on the South Side, focusing on both enforcement and collaboration with local businesses to ensure a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.