Public Safety Blotter Articles

UPDATE: Police Arrest Man Making Threats

Date: February 13, 2020
Incident Type: Unusual
Location: Zone 4
Summary:

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers from Zone 4 responded to the 400 block of Melwood Avenue just before 3:45 p.m. for an unknown problem.

When they arrived on scene they began searching for a male that 9-1-1 dispatchers said was calling them himself. 

He was making bizarre statements and vague, but violent, threats to dispatchers that were deemed to be threats toward the public and police. He also stated that he was in a warehouse close to Baum Boulevard. In another call he stated he was in a black van and also said that his address was in the 400 block of N. Craig Street. Officers searched the address, which was unlocked and empty.

Officers were unaware of his exact location and began searching different locations in the general area. Pitt Police also aided in the search and asked people to shelter in place. Drivers were diverted from the immediate area during the investigation.

The male suspect was eventually tracked by cellphone to the 2nd floor employee parking garage of a business in the 400 block of Melwood Avenue. He was inside a vehicle he did not own.

Police arrested him and EMS transported him to the hospital after he complained that he was diabetic. 

Upon release from the hospital he was transported to Allegheny County Jail where he became violent with corrections officers, striking one of them in the face with his elbow and making violent threats against police. 

Multiple charges are pending including aggravated assault, burglary, terroristic threats and criminal trespass.

UPDATE: Police arrested Edward Szmuc, 36 of Pittsburgh. He is charged with multiple offenses including assault, burglary, terroristic threats,  criminal trespass, false alarm to agency of public safety, communications with 9-1-1, prohibited acts, and notice of change of name or address. He is currently being held at Allegheny County Jail.


Reporting PIO:
Cara Cruz

2020-02-13
PIO@pittsburghpa.gov