Suspect in Tree of Life massacre pleads not guilty
By Janine Faust, Managing Editor
November 1, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, City, Crime, News
Robert Bowers, 46, had been indicted on 44 counts by a federal grand jury Wednesday relating to the killing of 11 members of the Tree of Life synagogue last weekend.
Pittsburgh rallies, unites against hate
By Dylan Giaccobe, Staff Writer
November 1, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, City, Crime, News, Top Stories
When President Donald Trump visited Pittsburgh on Tuesday in the aftermath of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto stayed far away – as did many other local elected officials. But a student-organized Unite Against Hate rally in Schenley Plaza Wednesday night brought the...
Student Safety in a season of screams
By Andrew O'Brien, For the Pitt News
October 31, 2018
Filed under Campus, Crime, News, Top Stories
Pitt students who took to Oakland’s streets in costume this Halloween week had reason to think twice before donning a “Scream” mask. The masked killer from that cult classic horror film is fictional, but the “Scream bandit,” who committed at least three armed robberies in Shadyside in September...
President Trump plans Tuesday trip to Pittsburgh
By Christian Snyder, Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2018
Despite an open letter signed by more than 60,000 people telling President Donald Trump — in plain terms — that he is not welcome in Pittsburgh in the wake of the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre, the White House confirmed today the president and first lady plan to visit the Steel City on Tuesday. ...
Pitt community responds to synagogue shooting
By Emily Drzymalski, For the Pitt News
October 30, 2018
Filed under Campus, Crime, News, Top Stories
The sounds of sirens and phone alerts informed Pitt students of the active shooter situation happening a few neighborhoods over in Squirrel Hill at the Tree of Life Synagogue Saturday morning. In the wake of Saturday’s shooting, Pitt students and organizations are taking action. After the shooting that claimed the live...
Trump to visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday in wake of synagogue massacre
By Christian Snyder, Editor in Chief
October 29, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, City, Crime, News
White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed the President and First Lady will visit Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
President Trump responds to Tree of Life massacre
By Jon Moss, Staff Writer
October 28, 2018
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
After 11 Pittsburghers were killed in a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill Saturday morning, President Donald Trump publicly renounced the act and pledged his support to the victims. The president responded to the incident on Twitter at at 11:08 a.m, about an hour after the fi...
Affidavit reveals details of synagogue shooting
By Hannah Schneider, Assistant News Editor
October 28, 2018
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
After 11 people were killed and six were injured at a mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill Saturday morning, the U.S. Attorney’s office filed 29 federal charges against suspect Robert Bowers.
Community mourns shooting victims at weekend vigil
By Emily Wolfe, Staff Writer
October 28, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, City, Crime, News
At Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, the Pittsburgh community gathered to remember the victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre, which claimed the lives of 11 Pittsburghers.
Victims identified in Tree of Life shooting
By Emily Wolfe, Staff Writer
October 28, 2018
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
The names of the 11 people killed by a gunman who opened fire Saturday in the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill were released Sunday morning. Among the victims, who ranged in age from 54 to 97, were a married couple from Wilkinsburg and a pair of brothers who lived in Squirrel Hill. [Re...
Gab: Its history and influence in the Tree of Life shooting
By Erica Guthrie, Staff Writer
October 28, 2018
Filed under Crime, News, Tech Science, Top Stories
Shortly before entering the Tree of Life congregation in Squirrel Hill, Robert Bowers, a Baldwin resident and Saturday’s shooting suspect, posted a message on social media site Gab that said, “I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics. I'm going in.” As details of the massacre unfolded, more anti-Semitic messages that Bowers had posted on his Ga...
Man sentenced to life in prison without parole for murder of Pitt student
By Janine Faust, Managing Editor
October 17, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, 3. Breaking, Campus, Crime, News
The DA’s office had originally sought the death penalty for Matthew Darby and withdrew it after he agreed to a sentence of life without parole.
Catholics respond to Pittsburgh diocese scandal
By Mario Cattabiani III, Staff Writer
September 11, 2018
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
At nearly 900 pages, a sweeping report identified some 300 priests accused of sexually abusing more than 1,000 children over the past seven decades in six dioceses across Pennsylvania.
2 men arrested for Ward homicide
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | News Editor
March 27, 2018
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
City police arrested two men for the death of the man found on the 3200 block of Ward Street Monday afternoon. The men in custody are 21-year-old Velmon Dowling and 22-year-old Shayne Andrew Craighead. Both are from Pittsburgh and have been charged with criminal homicide. Police have identified ...
Deleted police tweet causes confusion after body found on Ward
By TPN Staff
March 27, 2018
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
A man was found shot to death on Ward Street Monday afternoon, but it’s unclear where the shooting occurred after University of Pittsburgh police deleted a tweet regarding the incident. City police spokesperson Alicia George said police responded to a report of a body on the 3200 block of Ward ...
Breaking: Male victim found dead on Ward Street
By Salina Pressimone and John Hamilton / The Pitt News Staff
March 26, 2018
A man was shot Monday afternoon in McKeesport, and then driven and removed from the suspects’ vehicle on Ward Street in South Oakland, according to Pitt police. Pittsburgh police spokesperson Alicia George said police answered to a report of a body on the 3200 block of Ward Street at approximately...
Man found dead on Ward Street
By TPN Staff
March 26, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Crime, News
A man was found dead Monday afternoon on Ward Street in South Oakland, according to city police. The body appears to have been driven to the location after the victim was shot in McKeesport, Pitt police said in a tweet. Pittsburgh police spokesperson Alicia George said police answered to a report...
Police respond to armed robbery at Hello Bistro
By The Pitt News Staff
March 19, 2018
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
The City of Pittsburgh Police Department responded to an armed robbery at Hello Bistro Sunday night, according to a Pitt crime alert sent out Monday afternoon. The crime alert from University of Pittsburgh Police said city police responded to the robbery at 11:11 p.m. The store closes at 10 p.m. and...
Alpha Kappa Alpha suspended, police investigating alleged hazing
By John Hamilton, Janine Faust and Christian Snyder | Pitt News Staff
February 28, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Campus, Crime, News
Police are investigating an alleged hazing incident after 12 pledges of Pitt’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority chapter went to the Penn Hills police department to file a report, the department’s police chief said Wednesday. Dean of Students Kenyon Bonner sent an email to Greek organizations Wednes...
Charges dropped against man accused of spying on students
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | News Editor
February 21, 2018
Filed under Campus, Crime, News
A magisterial judge Wednesday dropped charges against Paul May, a nurse at the Veteran Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Oakland who was accused of spying into upper campus dorms. May, 56, was charged Nov. 6 with loitering and prowling, invasion of privacy and possessing instruments of a crime. All charges have been dropped, court documents show. District attorney spokesperson Mike Manko said Magisteri...
DA to seek death penalty in Pitt student’s homicide
By Janine Faust / Assistant News Editor
February 15, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Crime, News, Top Stories
The Allegheny County district attorney's office will seek the death penalty for Matthew Darby, a 21-year-old man accused of killing Pitt student Alina Sheykhet. Sheykhet was found dead in her home in Oakland Oct. 8, 2017. Darby — her ex-boyfriend — has been charged with homicide, flight, burglary, theft, ...
Lawyers navigate the intricacies of assault
By Hannah Schneider, Staff Writer
February 14, 2018
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
Within the first 24 hours of the #MeToo movement going viral in October 2017, there were more than 12 million posts, comments and reactions made by 4.7 million Facebook users worldwide. The movement has since reached more than 85 countries, shedding a new light on advocacy for survivors of sexual harassment...
Police investigating attempted robbery
By The Pitt News Staff
January 26, 2018
Pitt police issued a crime alert about an attempted robbery Thursday night on the 100 block of University Place. A victim told both Pitt police and City police that the attempted robbery happened at 9:30 p.m. when he was walking the 4000-4100 block of O’Hara Street. At that time, an unknown man...
Interactive crime map Jan. 9-16
By TPN News Desk
January 18, 2018
Date Time Building Address Summary Jan.9 1:45 a.m. Bruce Hall 3945 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pitt police issued a student a conduct referral after a campus security authority reported a liquor law violation. Jan. 9 1:39 p.m. William Pitt Union 3959 Fifth Ave, Pit...
Immigration officials make arrest on Craig Street
By John Hamilton, Janine Faust and Salina Pressimone
January 11, 2018
Filed under 2. Featured, Crime, News
Immigration officers arrested a person on Craig Street Thursday afternoon as part of a targeted raid in the Oakland area, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Thursday night. ICE officials said the Pittsburgh sub-office conducted an operation that lead to the arrest of one person at the Un...
Police issue crime alert after burglary on Meyran
By Mackenzie Rodrigues | News Editor
December 16, 2017
Pitt police issued a crime alert after a burglary Friday evening. Pitt Police and City police responded to a crime that occurred between 3 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Friday on the 300 block of Meyran Avenue. According to the alert, the victim said someone entered the building through an open door between...
Police issue crime alert after burglary on Juliet
By Janine Faust | Assistant News Editor
December 9, 2017
Pitt police issued a crime alert after a burglary was reported early Saturday morning. Pitt and city police responded to the crime at 1:37 a.m. Saturday on the 3300 block of Juliet Street. According to the alert, the victim stated that an unknown person or multiple people entered his first floor apartment b...
Police arrest man after continued harassment claims
By Janine Faust / Assistant News Editor
December 5, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Campus, Crime, News
Pitt police arrested a man Tuesday night after issuing a bulletin alerting students of his potential presence in Oakland and citing several female students who said he “made them feel uncomfortable.” “We would like our community to be aware of a suspicious subject identified as Daniel Dintin...
Interactive crime map Nov. 21 to Nov. 28
By The Pitt News Staff
November 30, 2017
Date Time Building Address Summary Nov. 21 12:49 a.m. Fifth Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pitt police confiscated a small amount of marijuana during a traffic stop. Nov. 21 1:30 a.m. Lothrop Hall 190 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 ...
Student arrested in Hillman
By Janine Faust and Caroline Bourque | News Editors
November 16, 2017
Filed under Campus, Crime, News, Top Stories
Pitt police charged a student with obstructing administration of law or other government function and tampering with evidence at Hillman Library Tuesday night, according to University spokesperson Joe Miksch. Miksch said officers were investigating suspicious activity on a computer on the first floo...
Possible peeper arrested in VA Hospital parking garage for spying on students in dorms
By Ashwini Sivaganesh / Editor-in-chief
November 7, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
A nurse at the Veteran Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System in Oakland was charged Monday with spying on Pitt students in upper campus dorms. Paul May, 56, a nurse at the hospital near Pitt’s upper campus, was charged with loitering and prowling, invasion of privacy and possessing instrume...
Oakland victims robbed at gunpoint
By Rachel Glasser | News Editor
October 28, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Pitt police issued a crime alert after two suspects were involved in an armed robbery Friday night. Pitt and city police responded to the crime, which took place on the 300 block of Ophelia Street, Oct. 27, at 11:24 p.m. A black male approached the two victims and asked them where a party was, according...
Ex-boyfriend suspected of killing Pitt student arrested in South Carolina
By Rachel Glasser and John Hamilton | The Pitt News Staff
October 11, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
The ex-boyfriend charged with homicide in the death of a Pitt student was arrested Wednesday in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Matthew Darby, 21, was charged with homicide Tuesday after his ex-girlfriend, Pitt junior Alina Sheykhet, was found dead in her Oakland apartment Sunday. Myrtle Beach police...
Attorney calls on Darby to turn himself in for questioning
By John Hamilton | Managing Editor
October 10, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
David Shrager, the attorney of Matthew Darby — a 21-year-old for whom the police have obtained an arrest warrant in connection to the murder of a Pitt student — called for his client to turn himself in during a press conference Tuesday at noon. Latest: Police charge Darby with homicide Tuesday night] Shrager spoke to his client through members of the media gathered in his office, rea...
Pitt student found dead in Oakland homicide, police charge ex-boyfriend
By The Pitt News Staff
October 9, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Crime, News
A homicide investigation is underway after Pitt student Alina Sheykhet was found dead in her Oakland apartment Sunday morning. Pittsburgh police have obtained an arrest warrant for 21-year-old Matthew Darby — Sheykhet’s ex-boyfriend whom she filed a protection-from-abuse order against in September. His...
Pitt student found dead in Oakland, police confirm homicide
By The Pitt News Staff
October 9, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Crime, News
Pittsburgh police are investigating a homicide in Oakland after finding a deceased Pitt student Sunday morning. The Allegheny County medical examiner's office said Sunday night that the student was Alina Sheykhet, a 20-year-old woman. University spokesperson Joe Miksch said her family is aware...
Pitt student’s death being investigated as a homicide
By The Pitt News Staff
October 8, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Crime, News
Pittsburgh police are investigating a homicide in Oakland after finding a deceased Pitt student Sunday morning. The Allegheny County medical examiner's office said Sunday night that the student was Alina Sheykhet, a 20-year-old woman. University spokesperson Joe Miksch confirmed she was a Pitt stud...
Interactive crime map Sept. 23 – Sept. 29
By The Pitt News Staff
October 3, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Uncategorized
Date Time Building Address Summary September 23 12:11 a.m. Litchfield Towers Lobby 3990 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pitt police cited a student for underage drinking. September 23 12:15 a.m. Holland Hall 3990 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pitt police cited a ...
Pitt police issues alert after robbery on Forbes
By Janine Faust | Assistant News Editor
September 17, 2017
Pitt Police issued a crime alert Sunday after a man was robbed on Forbes Avenue late Saturday night. The suspect — described as a black male with dreadlocks, wearing a white shirt and black zippered pants — approached the victim and implied that he had a gun by motioning as if he were wearing a shoulder hols...
Suspects invade, rob Oakland home
By Rachel Glasser | News Editor
September 10, 2017
Filed under Crime, Top Stories
Pitt police issued a crime alert after three men robbed a home on Dawson Street early Saturday morning. The suspects — a white male, African-American male and Hispanic male — entered the house on the 3400 block of Dawson Street through a back door at approximately 3 a.m. The African-American male bran...
Interactive crime map July 5 – July 11
By The Pitt News Staff
July 12, 2017
Wednesday, July 5, 2017 11:45 a.m. 3700 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted City police with a retail theft. 3:58 p.m. 3800 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police arrested a non-affiliated individual for recklessly endangering another person, tampering ...
Interactive crime map June 28 – July 4
By The Pitt News Staff
July 5, 2017
Wednesday, June 28, 2017 12:59 a.m. 12 Melba Pl., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police issued a citation to a male student for disorderly conduct. 7:06 p.m. 200 Atwood St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police issued a citation to a non-affiliated individual for carrying an open container of alcohol in...
Interactive crime map: June 21 – June 27
June 30, 2017
Wednesday, June 21 12:36 a.m. Semple St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police arrested a non-affiliated individual for simple domestic assault. 10:59 a.m. 4199 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police arrested a non-affiliated individual using a warrant. 4:43 p.m. 3700 Forbes Ave, ...
Interactive crime map: June 14 – June 20
By The Pitt News Staff
June 27, 2017
Wednesday, June 14, 2017 3:39 p.m. 3800 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police arrested a non-affiliated individual using a warrant. 5:14 p.m. 3700 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police issued a citation to a non-affiliated individual for panhandling. 7:41 p.m. 200 Atwood ...
Two burglaries in two days at the same Bates residence
By John Hamilton / Editor-in-Chief
June 27, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Pitt police issued a crime alert Tuesday after responding to two burglaries at the same residence on consecutive days. The burglaries occurred in the 3600 block of Bates Street — one Monday at approximately 3 p.m. and the second Tuesday at 2:13 a.m., according to the alert. In Monday’s burglary, a suspe...
Interactive crime map June 7 – June 13
By The Pitt News Staff
June 14, 2017
Wednesday, June 7, 2017 7:58 a.m. McKee Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted city police with a report of a domestic incident. 1:49 p.m. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic 3811 O'Hara St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted UPMC security with an assault. 7:55 p.m....
Interactive crime map May 30 – June 6
By The Pitt News Staff
June 7, 2017
Tuesday, May 30, 2017 3:22 p.m. 3900 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police issued a citation to a non-affiliated person for disorderly conduct and violating a city ordinance. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 4:01 a.m. 200 Chesterfield Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police arrest...
Interactive crime map: May 24 – May 29
By The Pitt News Staff
May 31, 2017
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 8:51 a.m. Robinson St Ext, Pittsburgh, PA. Pitt police responded to an individual's report of the theft of three traffic cones. 1:02 p.m. Nordenburg Hall 111 University Pl, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted county police with a warrant arrest. 1...
Interactive crime map: May 17 – May 23
By The Pitt News Staff
May 24, 2017
Wednesday, May 17, 2017 12:18 a.m. LIS Building 3471 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police responded to a report from an affiliated person of harassment by communication. 2:56 a.m. 100 Robinson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police arrested a non-affiliated person for po...
Man sentenced for homicide of Pitt administrator
By Henry Glitz | News Editor
May 18, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
More than a year and a half after a fatal crash led to the death of Pitt faculty member Susan Hicks, the man who pleaded guilty to causing the crash received his jail sentence this Thursday. David Witherspoon, 51, who plead guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and drug offenses when court...
Interactive crime map: May 9 – May 16
By The Pitt News Staff
May 17, 2017
Tuesday, May 9, 2017 12:46 a.m. Atwood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted city police with a retail theft 2:13 p.m. Hillman Library 3960 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Pitt police responded to a report of an indecent exposure. 2:17 p.m. Benedum Hall 3700 O'Hara St...
Interactive crime map: May 1 – May 9
By The Pitt News Staff
May 10, 2017
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 12:42 a.m. Meyran Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police cited a student for underage drinking. Wednesday, May 3, 2017 10:08 a.m. Public Safety Building 3412 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted city police with several judicial refer...
Suspects arrested in connection with Meyran vandalism
By John Hamilton / Assistant News Editor
April 20, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Pitt police arrested two women Tuesday in connection with graffiti painted on sidewalks, vehicles and houses on Meyran Avenue. Pitt police noticed freshly painted graffiti at 4:05 a.m. Tuesday while on foot patrol, according to Pitt spokesperson Joe Miksch. They chased and eventually apprehended t...
Person robbed at gunpoint on Semple
By Janine Faust / Senior Staff Writer
April 18, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Two assailants, armed with a black handgun, robbed a person Monday night on the 200 block of Semple Street. The victim was an adult unaffiliated with the University who said two men robbed him of his wallet, phone and electronic equipment before fleeing down Semple Street — possibly going south ...
Interactive crime map April 7-April 14
By The Pitt News Staff
April 17, 2017
April 8 1:44 a.m. Semple Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pitt police arrested a non-affiliated person on a warrant. 2:59 a.m. 1400 Inverness Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Pitt police assisted city police with a burglary involving a student. Police arrested and referred one student for judicial action. 5:29 p.m. Fifth and Meyran avenues, ...
Interactive crime map: March 31 – April 6
By The Pitt News Staff
April 9, 2017
March 31 2:55 p.m. Posvar Hall 230 S. Bouquet St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pitt police responded to a report of a stolen coat. An investigation is pending. 3:40 p.m. Public Saftey Building 3412 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 Pitt police assisted Port Authority police with an assault that occurred o...
Interactive crime map: March 23 – March 30
By The Pitt News Staff
April 2, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
March 23 12:10 p.m. Ruskin Hall 120 Ruskin Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213: Pitt police cited two students for marijuana/disorderly conduct. 11:43 a.m. Music Building 4337 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213: Pitt police responded to a report of a criminal mischief. An investigation is pending. March 24...
Interactive crime map: March 17 – 23
By The Pitt News Staff
March 27, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
March 17 7:54 a.m. Clapp Hall, 4249 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Pitt police responded to a report of a stolen laptop. An investigation is pending. 11:42 a.m. Trees Hall, 140 Allequippa St., Pittsburgh, PA 15261. Pitt police responded to a report of a criminal mischief. An investigation is ...
Interactive crime map: March 9 – March 17
By The Pitt News Staff
March 19, 2017
Filed under Campus, Crime, News
March 9 10:14 a.m. Mervis Hall, 3950 Roberto Clemente Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Pitt police responded to the theft of two office chairs. An investigation is pending. 12:28 p.m. 51 Boundary St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted city police with serving a warrant. Two actors were taken ...
Interactive crime map Feb. 24 – March 7
By The Pitt News Staff
March 13, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Feb. 24 12:55 p.m. Victoria Hall, 3500 Victoria St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police responded to a report of a fire panel that was tampered with. An investigation is pending. 5:01 p.m. 3800 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police cited a student for underage drinking and public drunkenne...
Interactive Crime Map Feb. 17 – Feb. 24
By The Pitt News Staff
February 27, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Feb. 17 12:03 p.m. South Oakland, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted city police with a sexual assault report at a private residence. Feb. 18 12:08 a.m. 100 Atwood Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police cited a student for public urination. 12:39 a.m. Forbes Avenue and Atwood St...
Islamic Center: Investigate motivations in Beltzhoover beating
By Amanda Reed / Assistant News Editor
February 24, 2017
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
A member of the Somali Bantu community in Pittsburgh was found in critical condition, beaten and potentially robbed in Beltzhoover at about 5 a.m. Tuesday morning in what the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh thinks could have been a hate crime. The man, a cab driver of about 30 years old, was going to...
Backlogged
By Nikita Karulkar, Staff Writer
February 23, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, City, Crime, Health, National News, News
Thousands of sexual assault kits around the nation have been left untested. One lab in Allegheny County found a short-term solution. Natasha Alexenko is an advocate. Alexenko is an activist. Alexenko is a former museum scientist. And in 1993, after Alexenko was raped and robbed at gunpoint, she became...
Interactive crime map Feb. 10 – Feb. 15
By The Pitt News Staff
February 20, 2017
Filed under Campus, City, Crime, News, Top Stories
Feb. 10 4:03 p.m. Sutherland Hall, 3725 Sutherland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police arrested a student on charges of possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. 4:51 p.m. Peterson Events Center, 3719 Terrace St., Pittsburgh, PA 15261. Pitt police responded to a report of harass...
Interactive Crime Map Feb. 3 – Feb. 9
By The Pitt News Staff
February 13, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Feb. 3 12:52 a.m. Clapp Hall 4249 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Pitt police responded to a report of a missing laptop. An investigation is pending. 3:56 p.m. Wellness Center 119 University Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15260. Pitt police responded to a report of a counterfeit $20 bill. 8:02...
Students tackle gun-toting assailants on Friday
By Ashwini Sivaganesh / News Editor
January 31, 2017
Filed under 2. Featured, Campus, Crime, News
Joseph, a Pitt sophomore, was staring straight into the barrel of a black revolver handgun on McKee Street Friday night. A Pitt police crime alert detailing Joseph’s experience noted that the gunman holding the revolver used it to hit the student in the back of the head — but it did not list ...
Two violent crimes reported in Oakland over weekend
By James Evan Bowen-Gaddy / Assistant News Editor
January 30, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Multiple instances of violent crime in Oakland this weekend left one victim with minor injuries and another in critical condition. One person was robbed and assaulted at gunpoint by three unidentified suspects while walking along the 300 block of McKee Place Friday night at about 10:07 p.m. The vict...
Interactive crime map Jan. 20 – 24
By The Pitt News Staff
January 30, 2017
Filed under Campus, Crime, News
Jan. 20 8:18 p.m. Bouquet Gardens Building B. 300 S. Bouquet St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police responded to a report of harassment. An investigation is pending. 9:22 p.m. Phi Kappa Theta House. Fraternity Housing Complex, University Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police cited a s...
Shots fired near Magee Hospital, one man injured
By James Evan Bowen-Gaddy / Senior Staff Writer
January 26, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
According to city police, multiple shots were fired on the corner of Hamlet Street and Boulevard of the Allies in Oakland Wednesday evening, leaving one man injured. City police who responded to the call said an unidentified male was shot in the right pinky finger and arm near Magee-Women’s Hospi...
Five Pitt students arrested at inauguration in D.C.
By Amanda Reed and Rebecca Peters / The Pitt News Staff
January 26, 2017
Filed under Crime, National News, News, Top Stories
The morning of Inauguration Day, before Trump took his presidential oath, Americans filtered onto the National mall. Among them, Anika Mavinkurve, a senior neuroscience major, noticed that the inauguration was calm — not a crowbar, brick or act of violence in sight. “When we first walked in there was 100 max...
Man assaulted on Forbes and McKee
By Ashwini Sivaganesh / News Editor
January 24, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Pitt police assisted city police with a reported assault on the corner of Forbes Avenue and McKee Place Sunday afternoon. The fight, which took place at about 3:52 p.m., involved two individuals — one of whom had a knife. The victim reported that while he was crossing Forbes, the perpetrator dro...
Interactive crime map Jan. 13 – 20
By The Pitt News Staff
January 23, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Uncategorized
Jan. 13 1:20 p.m. 100 to 300 block of Oakland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted with a theft from Peter's Pub. 11:34 p.m. Centre Plaza apartments. 5032 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police cited a student for underage drinking. Jan. 14 12:34 a.m. Litc...
It’s Dogg’n It victim of armed robbery
By Ashwini Sivaganesh / News Editor
January 13, 2017
It’s Dogg’n It, a beer and convenience store, was robbed Wednesday evening by an unknown suspect with a handgun. Pitt police and city police responded to the store, located on the 200 block of Atwood Street, around 6:10 p.m. for a reported armed robbery. Emily Schaffer, a spokesperson for ci...
Two thefts continue Oakland crime streak
By Alexa Bakalarski / Assistant News Editor
January 12, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
A home on the 300 block of Meyran Avenue was burglarized early Tuesday morning, making it the second burglary this semester and the 25th this academic year. According to a Pitt police crime alert, the burglary occurred sometime between 5:30 a.m. and 10:40 a.m. The burglar broke the front door, entered the apartment and stole a laptop. Th...
Interactive Crime Map Dec. 8 to Jan. 4
By The Pitt News Staff
January 9, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 8:42 a.m. Detre Hall. 3811 O'Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police assisted an individual who wanted to file a harrassment report. 12:20 p.m. Desoto and O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police responded to a report of a domestic dispute. Both parties w...
Semple Street home burglarized over winter break
By Alexa Bakalarski and Ashwini Sivaganesh / News Editors
January 4, 2017
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
While Pitt’s campus shut down for the holidays, a home on Semple Street was burglarized, marking the 24th burglary of this academic year. The resident of the home, a Pitt student, returned to his hometown for the winter holidays on Dec. 22. He realized his items were missing when he returned to sch...
Reading to pass time: Book ‘Em turns a new page for inmates
By Rebecca Peters / Staff Writer
January 3, 2017
Filed under Campus, City, Crime, News, Top Stories, Uncategorized
On Cherokee Street in the Upper Hill District of Pittsburgh, drugs passed daily between neighbors and visitors. And on Aug. 5, 2008, Frank Johnson got caught in the cycle. By sunset that day, at 34 years old, Johnson’s freedom was no longer guaranteed. Convicted by a jury in October 2010 for c...
Interactive Crime Map Dec. 2 – 7
By The Pitt News Staff
December 12, 2016
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 10:05 a.m. Off campus. Pitt police assisted a female student who reported fraudulent charges on her credit card. 10:13 a.m. Darragh Street Apartments. Pitt police are investigating a report of a package theft. 12:22 p.m. 3700 block of Parkview Avenue. Pitt police ...
Peace, love and tax evasion: donut shop founder sentenced
By Emily Brindley / Assistant News Editor
December 8, 2016
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
Though the founder of Peace, Love, and Little Donuts was sentenced Thursday for bankruptcy and income fraud, the Oakland franchise will remain open and unaffected. The donut chain’s co-founder Ronald Razete, who founded the chain with his wife, was charged with underreporting his income on the...
Man exposes self on Oakland Ave. and Bates St.
By Alexa Bakalarski / Assistant News Editor
December 8, 2016
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
After several people reported that a man was inappropriately exposing himself in Oakland, Pitt police issued a crime alert Thursday afternoon notifying students they were searching for him. Officers responded to complaints at about 9:40 p.m. Wednesday night at the intersection of Oakland Avenue ...
Police arrest two men for Meyran Avenue burglary
By Emily Brindley / Assistant News Editor
December 7, 2016
Filed under Campus, City, Crime, News, Top Stories
After the 23rd burglary in Oakland this semester occurred last week, police have arrested two men for this most recent incident. Pittsburgh police arrested 18-year-old Jamal Kyte-Saverly and an unnamed 17-year-old man in connection with the Dec. 1 burglary in the 300 block of Meyran Avenue. Kyte-Sa...
For the 23rd time, burglars break into Oakland home
By Amanda Reed / Contributing Editor
December 5, 2016
Filed under Campus, Crime, News, Top Stories
After a burglar broke into their house in the 3400 block of Ward Street on Halloween, Jacky Chen and his five roommates made a house rule to lock their door at all times, even if another roommate was home. But several of the roommates forgot to lock the door on their way to a track workout with the Ultim...
Interactive Crime Map Nov. 23 – Dec. 2
By The Pitt News Staff
December 5, 2016
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 11:11 a.m. Lawrence Hall. Pitt police responded to a report of the theft of a bicycle. An investigation is pending. 6:03 p.m. Detre Hall. Police arrested one person on charges of terroristic threats. Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016 3:28 a.m. McKee Place and Fifth ...
PDAA releases guidelines for officer-related shootings
By Emily Brindley / Assistant News Editor
November 30, 2016
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
Taking a step no other state has yet, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association announced Tuesday its recommendations for the investigation of shootings involving police officers. While the 16 recommendations are not binding for law enforcement agencies or prosecutors, the Association suggests ...
Interactive Crime Map Nov. 17 to 20
By The Pitt News Staff
November 28, 2016
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016 7:50 a.m. Mervis Hall. Pitt police are investigating a report from Facilities Management of the theft of a marquee sign. 12:09 p.m. Hillman Library. Pitt police are investigating a report from an individual who said they recieved a disturbing message on their Facebook pa...
Interactive Crime Map Nov. 10 – 14
By The Pitt News Staff
November 21, 2016
Filed under 3. Breaking, Crime, News
Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 11:30 a.m. Sutherland Hall. An officer took a criminal mischief report. An investigation is pending. 11:30 a.m. Benedum Hall. Police responded to an individual's report of the theft of his laptop. An investigation is pending. 4:26 p.m. Cathedral of Learning. An offi...
20th home burglarized in Oakland
By Emily Brindley / Assistant News Editor
November 21, 2016
Filed under Campus, Crime, News, Top Stories
Marking the 20th burglary in the Oakland area this semester, an unknown person entered a home in the 3400 block of Parkview Avenue over the weekend, stealing a laptop and other personal items. Similar to the previous incidents, the intruder acted late on a weekend night, entering the Parkview home...
Report shows rise in inmates, more black inmates in Allegheny County Jail
By Alexa Bakalarski / Assistant News Editor
November 17, 2016
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
Rates of incarceration in Allegheny County Jail are rising, partially because large numbers of people are being jailed before conviction, a trend that has caused the region to outpace national averages and that highlights the inequities in the local criminal justice system. Although the Allegheny County Jail houses 70...
Man shatters Sorrento’s front door window
By Emily Brindley and Lauren Rosenblatt / The Pitt News Staff
November 14, 2016
Filed under Campus, Crime, News, Top Stories
Police were easily able to track down a man who shattered the front door window of Sorrento’s Pizza Roma early Sunday morning using the drink order from the bar he was just kicked out of. The man, who police have not named, was asked to leave the Garage Door Saloon at about 2 a.m. Sunday morning b...
Pitt police increase patrols after 17 burglaries
By Wesley Hood / Staff Writer
November 14, 2016
Filed under 2. Featured, Crime, News
There have been more burglaries in Oakland since the start of the fall semester — 17 total — than in all of the 2015 calendar year combined. Yet no one has been arrested after the string of crimes that began in October, even as Pitt police have increased patrols in Oakland and University s...
Interactive Crime Map Nov. 4 – 9
By The Pitt News Staff
November 13, 2016
Filed under 3. Breaking, Crime, News
Here is the Pitt police activity for Nov. 4, 2016, to Nov. 9, 2016. Friday, Nov. 4, 2016 3:32 p.m. North Bouquet Street. Police responded to a report of a theft of a bike. An investigation is pending. 6:47 p.m. 3400 Forbes Avenue. Police responded to a report of a possible overdose. City me...
Interactive Crime Map Oct. 28 – Nov. 4
By The Pitt News Staff
November 6, 2016
Friday, Oct. 28, 2016 4:49 p.m. 3700 Forbes Avenue. Police arrested an unaffiliated man for sale or use of certain solvents and noxious solvent, possession of drug paraphernalia, defiant trespass and public drunkenness. 10:43 p.m. 3600 Fifth Avenue. Pitt police assisted city police with a possible custody. One person was tak...
Pittsburgh Chief of Police Cameron McLay resigns
By Alexa Bakalarski and Emily Brindley / Assistant News Editors
November 4, 2016
Filed under 2. Featured, City, Crime, News
After two years with the force, Chief of Pittsburgh Police Cameron McLay resigned from his post Friday. McLay took the chief of police position in September 2014 after previously serving as a captain with the Madison, Wisconsin, police force and a consultant with the International Association of Ch...
Pennsylvania Innocence Project opens in Pittsburgh
By Rebecca Peters / Staff Writer
November 1, 2016
Filed under City, Crime, News, Top Stories
Law students from the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University are learning to look at cases differently — guilty until proven innocent. The Pennsylvania Innocence Project, a nonprofit organization that works to exonerate wrongly convicted people and prevent future wrongful convictions, rece...
Police respond to report of sexual assault on Semple Street
By Lauren Rosenblatt / News Editor
October 30, 2016
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
On Sunday morning, Pitt police responded to a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted. University of Pittsburgh police and city police responded to a call on the 300 block of Semple Street from a woman who said a man had sexually assaulted her at about 4 a.m. Sunday morning. Police said in ...
Interactive Crime Map Oct. 21 to 28
By The Pitt News Staff
October 30, 2016
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
Friday, Oct. 21, 2016 3:32 p.m. S Craig Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police arrested a male non-affiliate on a warrant. 6:31 p.m. Bellefield Hall. 315 S Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Pitt police responded to a report from a campus security authority of a possible sex offense....
Dimling Way home burglarized Wednesday night
By Alexa Bakalarski / Assistant News Editor
October 27, 2016
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
An unknown person broke into a home on Dimling Way Wednesday night in the most recent of at least seven burglaries in Central Oakland this month. Pitt and city police responded to the break in, which took place between 9:20 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Like many of the other robberies this month, the victim said the unkno...
Burglaries continue, Oakland locks up
By Alexa Bakalarski & Lauren Rosenblatt / The Pitt News Staff
October 26, 2016
Filed under Crime, News, Top Stories
An unknown person broke into a home on Ward Street Tuesday night, the most recent of at least six burglaries in Oakland this month. This latest burglary took place on the 3300 block of Ward Street between 5:40 p.m. and 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, according to a crime alert from Pitt and city police. The res...
Interactive Crime Map Oct. 14 – 21
By The Pitt News Staff
October 23, 2016
Filed under 3. Breaking, Crime, News, Top Stories, Uncategorized
Friday, Oct. 14, 2016 6:31 p.m. Cathedral of Learning. Police responded to a security guard's report of finding graffiti. An investigation is pending. 8:43 p.m. Bouquet Gardens. Police conducted a drug investigation and charges are pending. No other details were immediately available. 11:...
Fifth home in Oakland burglarized
By Emily Brindley / Assistant News Editor
October 21, 2016
Filed under Campus, City, Crime, News, Top Stories
For the fifth time this month, an unknown person robbed a central Oakland home, the latest in a string of robberies that police say are not connected. This time, an unknown person broke into a home on the 3700 block of Dawson Street late Wednesday evening, stealing multiple valuables. Pitt and city...