4 arrested after armed convenience store robbery, police chase

PITTSBURGH — Police arrested four people after an armed robbery at a convenience store on Pittsburgh’s North Side early Friday morning.

Authorities said the robbery was reported at the 7-Eleven on Western Avenue around 2:30 a.m.

According to the police report, responding officers noticed a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ car minutes after the robbery.

Officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, and after a brief chase, the car reached a dead end.

The front seat passenger, later identified as 42-year-old Asseeme Harris, fled the scene on foot, police said. Officers used a stun gun and eventually were able to take Harris into custody.

Three other occupants of the vehicle were detained until additional police arrived. The other occupants were identified as 30-year-old Alphonso Howard, 28-year-old Brandy Ulizzi and 29-year-old Alissa Joseph.

The 7-Eleven clerk was able to positively identify Harris as the person who allegedly robbed the store. Authorities said they also located the gun allegedly used during the robbery inside the car.

Harris was charged with robbery, criminal conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance, possessing instruments of crime and simple assault.

Howard was charged with robbery, criminal conspiracy, careless driving, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, driving with operating privilege suspended and other vehicle violations.

Ulizzi was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant.

Joseph was charged with robbery, criminal conspiracy and firearms not be carried without a license.

WPXI