Burglary fugitive, who taunted police on social media, found in attic

PITTSBURGH — A burglary fugitive was found Wednesday in the attic of a North Side residence after he spent days taunting Pittsburgh police on social media, referring to himself as the “gingerbread man.”

Heath Emory Miller, 25, of Pittsburgh’s Mt. Washington neighborhood was wanted on five criminal bench warrants that were issued last Monday for a violation of probation/parole. Police said the warrants range in charges such as burglary, theft and receiving stolen property, all of which concern a string of burglaries in Ross Township and West View.%

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Sheriff's deputies attempted to execute Miller's collection of warrants Monday after he was seen in a park in the city’s Springhill neighborhood.

Miller spotted the deputies before they were able to see him, eluding authorities by hiding in a nearby wooded area.

Police said Miller took to Facebook later that evening, writing, "They call me the gingerbread man. Catch me if u (sic) can. I'm running as fast as I can. Time for new scenery, and a new state. (Expletive) Pgh (sic).”

The following evening on May 11, newly acquired information led deputies to Miller's girlfriend's residence in Shaler Township.

Police said Jacklyn Waskiewicz, 27, was taken into custody for hindering apprehension, as she had been providing Miller with transportation during the ongoing investigation.

Authorities said Miller took to Facebook again after hearing of Waskiewicz’s arrest, posting, “You gotta (sic) be quicker then (sic) that. Lol. Gingerbread man. I told y'all mother-(expletive), just leave me alone."

Deputies obtained more information Wednesday in collaboration with Ross Township police about a residence in Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood that Miller frequented. Officials said deputies and Ross Township police converged on a home in the 3200 block of Lecky Avenue, where Miller was found hiding from authorities in the attic.

Police said Miller was transported to the Allegheny County Jail, where he was lodged on the five criminal bench warrants and will await a hearing in the next few days.

Cox Media Group