Tag: Pittsburgh

Fugitive Arrested after Delivering Heroin to Undercover Detectives

In October of 2019, an arrest warrant was issued for Herbert Lee Walker III, 25, of Penn Hills, after Allegheny County Police found nearly 7,000 stamp bags of heroin and a handgun at Walker’s residence in Penn Hills during the execution of a search warrant.

On February 13, 2020, Pittsburgh Police officers, aware of Walker’s status as a fugitive, saw him in the 5700 block of Baum Boulevard in the East End. When officers attempted to take him into custody, Walker fled in a white Dodge pickup truck, striking two city police cars in his effort to escape. An additional arrest warrant was obtained by Pittsburgh Police officers stemming from this incident. Walker was charged with Aggravated Assault (3 counts), Reckless Endangerment (3 counts), Fleeing & Eluding, and Flight to Avoid Apprehension.

This Saturday, March 28, 2020, detectives from the Pittsburgh Police Narcotics & Vice Unit were able to obtain a cell phone number for Herbert Lee Walker III. An undercover Narcotics detective was able to establish telephone contact with Walker, who subsequently agreed to meet the undercover detective for the purposes of selling heroin to the detective. Assisted by Pittsburgh SWAT and detectives from the Pittsburgh Police Intelligence Unit, Narcotics detectives formulated plans to take Walker into custody when he arrived at the deal location. Shortly after 5:30 p.m., Walker arrived at the deal location along with another male, Dwayne Nelson, 22, of McKeesport. The men gave (50) stamp bags of heroin to the undercover detective in exchange for $340.00 cash. Immediately following the deal, SWAT officers moved in and took both men into custody without incident. During a search incident to arrest, Walker was found to be in possession of an additional quantity of heroin, as well as over $1,200.00 cash.

Both men were charged with Criminal Conspiracy, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, and Delivery of a Controlled Substance stemming from this incident. Walker was also arrested on his outstanding warrants stemming from the Penn Hills incident in 2019 and the Pittsburgh Police incident on February 13.

Herbert Lee Walker III

Dwayne Nelson

Source: Public Safety Media Blotter

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Pittsburgh Public Schools to begin remote instruction for students April 16

PITTSBURGH —

With schools across Pennsylvania closed until further notice because of COVID-19, Pittsburgh Public Schools are preparing to begin remote at-home instruction for students.

Student instruction will begin April 16, following orientation and distribution of materials on April 14 and April 15, the school district said Monday night. Teachers were set to begin training Tuesday.

The school district said it will buy 5,000 new laptops, adding them to the 2,500 that it says are already available. Another 599 devices will come from the University of Pittsburgh. The district said it will continue working to get more. Distribution to identified students will begin with high school seniors April 9.

Printed instructional packets will be provided for students who are unable to complete them online. Packets will be distributed at Grab-and-Go meal locations.

Source: Pittsburgh Public Schools to begin remote instruction for students April 16

Tree Crashes Onto Ross Township Gas Station, Causing Heavy Damage – CBS Pittsburgh

ROSS TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) – A tree fell on a gas station in Ross Township, causing significant damage.

An old, dead tree fell onto the canopy over the gas pumps at the Exxon Gas Station on McKnight Road.

(Photo Credit: KDKA Photojournalist Ian Smith)

The canopy is heavily damaged, and so is the sign and at least one gas pump.

Source: Tree Crashes Onto Ross Township Gas Station, Causing Heavy Damage – CBS Pittsburgh

City of Pittsburgh announces new social distancing restrictions

PITTSBURGH —

The city of Pittsburgh announced additional restrictions Monday morning to enforce social distancing rules that aim to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

Public Works crews are removing basketball rims from the courts at parks. The Mount Washington overlooks are also being closed.

“While Pittsburgh residents have largely been following directives to stay at least six feet from others to stop the spread of the virus, others have not, especially in city parks,” a press release from Mayor Bill Peduto’s office said.

The press release from the mayor’s office said the areas were commonly filled over the weekend with residents who were not practicing social distancing.

“Park rangers and police will be out to remind people to observe social distancing,” Public Safety spokesman Chris Togneri said. “We think that Pittsburghers are going to basically self-police and get the word and change the activity, because this weekend was sort of a step back, but we don’t think that’s going to be a problem moving forward.”

Source: City of Pittsburgh announces new social distancing restrictions

County Police Investigating Shooting In Homestead – CBS Pittsburgh

HOMESTEAD (KDKA) – Allegheny County Police are investigating a shooting in Homestead.

Homestead Police originally responded to a call of a shooting in the 300 block of West 12th Avenue just after 5:00 p.m.

When they arrived, they found a juvenile male shot in the arm. He was taken to the hospital by a private vehicle.

Allegheny County Police were also requested at the scene and they learned shots were fired from a silver, two-door car with tinted windows.

The boy was struck by a gunshot and fled the scene, which they believe took place on Sylvan Avenue.

According to witnesses, the shooter was described as a black male with dreadlocks, wearing a black and gray shirt with white markings.

Anyone with information is asked to call the County Police Tipline at 1-833-255-8477.

Source: County Police Investigating Shooting In Homestead – CBS Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh sanitation workers refusing to pick up trash after demanding better protective gear | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

By ALEXIS JOHNSON, ASHLEY MURRAY AND LACRETIA WIMBLEY
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh sanitation workers rallied outside of the Bureau of Environmental Services in the Strip District early Wednesday and refused to pick up trash until their demands for better protections were heard.

Fitzroy Moss livestreamed the walkout to his Facebook account and accused the department of not alerting workers of potential coronavirus exposure after an employee’s wife allegedly tested positive for COVID-19. They said word got out on Monday when the employee was sent home and told to quarantine himself for 14 days.

Source: Pittsburgh sanitation workers refusing to pick up trash after demanding better protective gear | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Motorcycle rider dies following Oakland crash | TribLIVE.com

By Patrick Varine

A motorcycle rider has died following a crash late Tuesday afternoon in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, according to Pittsburgh police.

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Officers responded to a call at 4:40 p.m. for a motorcycle broadsiding a vehicle at the intersection of Meyran Avenue and Louisa Street, and found a man with a head injury.

The man was transported to the hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured and there were no passengers, police said.

The man’s identity and official cause of death will be released by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick at 724-850-2862, pvarine@tribweb.com or via Twitter .

Source: Motorcycle rider dies following Oakland crash | TribLIVE.com

As Coronavirus Spreads, Giant Eagle Installing Plexiglass Dividers, Halts Use Of Reusable Bags – CBS Pittsburgh

 

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Giant Eagle is taking new steps in the name of safety as the coronavirus spreads across the state.

The company announced on Monday that it will be installing plexiglass dividers at checkout and customer service areas at Giant Eagle, Market District, pharmacy, and GetGo locations.

(Photo Credit: Jennifer Borrasso/KDKA)

The company is also asking customers to refrain from bringing reusable bags in the store and installing floor indicators and signs at checkout lanes that indicate the appropriate social distancing.

(Photo Credit: Jennifer Borrasso/KDKA)

A Giant Eagle spokesperson says the majority of the stores will have the new features by the end of the week.

“That’s most commonly where you push your cart up and start interacting with our team member, said spokesperson Jannah Jablonowski.”I think putting that divide right there was the most effective way.”

Shoppers KDKA talked to feel reassured.

Source: As Coronavirus Spreads, Giant Eagle Installing Plexiglass Dividers, Halts Use Of Reusable Bags – CBS Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Public Schools will not reopen until April 14 at earliest

Gov. Wolf’s order will keep all Pennsylvania schools closed until at least April 6, and Pittsburgh Public Schools have a spring break scheduled from April 6 through April 13.

Source: Pittsburgh Public Schools will not reopen until April 14 at earliest

Man in critical condition after being shot in Pittsburgh | TribLIVE.com

A man was hospitalized in critical condition after being shot in the chest in Pittsburgh.

City police said officers responded to a call for a man being driven to a local hospital after being shoot around 2:15 p.m. Monday.

Police found the vehicle and victim along the 6300 block of Penn Avenue.

The man was then taken to an area hospital for treatment of at least one gunshot wound.

Source: Man in critical condition after being shot in Pittsburgh | TribLIVE.com

Huge backups mark first morning of coronavirus testing at Pittsburgh Zoo parking lot

PITTSBURGH — Huge traffic backups marked the first morning of the drive-thru coronavirus testing at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium parking lot.

Have questions about the spread of the coronavirus? We have an entire section dedicated to coverage of the outbreak. CLICK HERE for more.

Organizers for the event quickly saw lines of cars stretching all the way down Butler Street past the Highland Park Bridge.

Source: Huge backups mark first morning of coronavirus testing at Pittsburgh Zoo parking lot

Coronavirus to impact more than 500,000 jobs across the Pittsburgh region | TribLIVE.com

Government directives to close businesses and restrict people’s activities in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus infections and deaths will impact more than a half-million workers in the Pittsburgh region, a top local economist predicts.

And the pain will be spread across virtually all industries in the seven-county region.

“Many of the most vulnerable industries will likely be laying off workers without pay,” leading to a “significant increase in the number of unemployed workers,” said Christopher Briem, a research economist with the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Social & Urban Research.

Source: Coronavirus to impact more than 500,000 jobs across the Pittsburgh region | TribLIVE.com

One Person Dead, One In Serious Condition Due To House Fire On Bigelow Street – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A woman has died and another person is in serious condition due to a house fire on Bigelow Street.

The person injured was taken out of the home and transported to a local hospital where they are currently in serious condition.

No further details have yet been made available regarding the woman who died from her injuries.

A third person was outside of the home at the time of the fire and they onl

Source: One Person Dead, One In Serious Condition Due To House Fire On Bigelow Street – CBS Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto self-quarantines at home | TribLIVE.com

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto will be in a self-quarantine in his home for 14 days after two people he had contact with in Washington, D.C. last week tested positive for the coronavirus.

Peduto made the announcement in a video posted to the City of Pittsburgh Twitter account Thursday night.

“I have absolutely no symptoms. I feel great,” Peduto said in the video.

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Peduto returned March 11 from a National League of Cities conference in Washington.

Source: Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto self-quarantines at home | TribLIVE.com

‘Like a ghost town,’ Downtown Pittsburgh is empty | TribLIVE.com

People are heading to city parks to escape the coronavirus blahs.

Frick Park bustled with families, dogs, bicyclists and joggers Wednesday afternoon as the sun came out and temperatures climbed.

Picnics sprouted up along with makeshift soccer games, bocce ball and Frisbee tossing. People sat in pairs on benches scattered throughout the wooded trails near the Frick Environmental Center. Passersby waved to each other, smiling as if they knew the moment was much-needed therapy.

Parents pushed young kids in strollers. Some carried children on their shoulders. Some let their kids sprint in front of them. They did what they could to stay positive.

The scene was the same in Highland Park on Wednesday evening.

Source: ‘Like a ghost town,’ Downtown Pittsburgh is empty | TribLIVE.com

Pittsburgh Public Schools Could Be Closed Beyond April | Newsradio 1020 KDKA

PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) – Pittsburgh public school officials are planning now to be closed longer than the two weeks ordered by Governor Tom Wolf.

Superintendent Anthony hamlet doesn’t know how long districts will be closed but he says they are planning for it to last through April, longer if necessary.

He spoke at Langley high school where a few students were picking up grab and go lunch is activity packets will be available next week for students without access to the districts online learning.

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Source: Pittsburgh Public Schools Could Be Closed Beyond April | Newsradio 1020 KDKA

City Of Pittsburgh Bans All Gatherings Of 50 Or More People – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The City of Pittsburgh is following the CDC recommendation of avoiding 50 people or more to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

This comes after the city announced on Friday that all events with 250 more people would be prohibited starting at 9:00 a.m. on Monday.

It is now expanded to require the cancelation of all gatherings that would include 50 or more people inside the city.

Along with the ban, Allegheny County is calling for a voluntary closure of all non-essential businesses within the county for two weeks.

Source: City Of Pittsburgh Bans All Gatherings Of 50 Or More People – CBS Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Police Find 30 Pounds Of Marijuana, Four Guns In Raid – CBS Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh Police made a major bust on Friday, according to their Twitter feed.

A combined taskforce of detectives, narcotics specialists and state police special emergency response team conducted a search warrant in the 500 block of Guylin Drive in Penn Hills. They discovered money as well as 30 pounds of marijuana and four firearms.

Police arrested suspects Victoria Anderson-Pettigrew and Daimere Wilmer who both live in Penn Hills for alleged involvement.

Source: Pittsburgh Police Find 30 Pounds Of Marijuana, Four Guns In Raid – CBS Pittsburgh

Local artists shut down by COVID-19 prep 25 days of live-streamed shows | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

SHARON EBERSON
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
seberson@post-gazette.com

Artists don’t sit idly by in times of crisis. They make things happen, for themselves, for each other, for their audiences.

In response to COVID-19 closings of shows and venues, starting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., the Live at 25 Pandemic Series — a variety show of Western Pennsylvania bands, actors, painters and more — will live-stream daily performances through March 30 on the YouTube channel Live at 25.

COVID-19 precautions have disrupted every aspect of live entertainment and the other businesses that arts help to support. With the edict Friday from Mayor William Peduto that gatherings of 250 people or more must cease, any question of whether “the show will go on” was halted. The dominoes that had been falling all day Thursday, from museums to concerts to theater, all came down with the finality of a door bolted shut.

Source: Local artists shut down by COVID-19 prep 25 days of live-streamed shows | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Bare shelves, empty aisles show Pittsburgh shoppers’ reactions to coronavirus

PITTSBURGH — Local stores are asking customers to take a second and breathe before purchasing cleaning supplies or other items related to the coronavirus.

Across the area, people are finding bare shelves and empty aisles at places like Target, Walgreens and other stores.

Channel 11 learned businesses are dealing with the shortages in their own ways.

A spokesman for Rite-Aid says the company is limiting online purchases, but not in-store ones.

Source: Bare shelves, empty aisles show Pittsburgh shoppers’ reactions to coronavirus