New details of Oakland shooting emerge, victim in critical condition

The Pitt student who was shot three times during a robbery Thursday night was in critical… The Pitt student who was shot three times during a robbery Thursday night was in critical condition this weekend as officers uncovered new details about his case.

Police started conducting interviews and have a “person of interest” regarding the shooting that occurred off Semple Street Thursday night. As of Friday, they had yet to arrest anyone. The detectives handling the case were not available for comment this weekend.

Officers spoke with the victim, a 21-year-old Pitt junior, on Friday. The Pitt News is withholding his name out of respect for his privacy.

The victim told police he was in his bedroom when he realized two black men had entered his room.

The first man, who is between 5 foot 10 and 5 foot 11 and between 20 and 25 years old, wore a black ski mask with a pointed nose. The man aimed a black pistol at the victim’s face and demanded money, police said. An accomplice stood behind the man with the gun.

The victim told police he was attempting to disarm the masked man when the weapon discharged. He told police he heard three shots before the gun fell to the floor and the robbers fled.

The victim said he picked up the gun and tried to fire it at the robbers, but realized it was jammed.

“It was at this time that the victim reported that he realized he had been shot,” officers said in a news release.

The victim’s roommate was in the house at the time. He told police he was in his bedroom, which is next to the victim’s, when he heard three or four shots.

“In fear of his life, the witness did not open his bedroom door until he heard the victim screaming for help,” according to the release. He left his room after the shooting stopped, found his roommate and then called 911, at 8:47 p.m.

Medics took the victim to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Officers said Thursday that the victim was in critical condition and then became stable. He was in critical condition Friday.

Officers at the scene, 3464 St. James Place, an alley off Semple Street, found a black, semi-automatic pistol in the hallway near the victim’s room. They also found shell casings.

Police request that anyone with information call the city police’s Robbery Squad at (412) 323-7151. They said callers can remain anonymous.