‘Most wanted' fugitive arrested at Bill Peduto's victory party

PITTSBURGH — One of Allegheny County's top 20 most wanted fugitives was arrested at Bill Peduto's victory party Tuesday night, police said.

Authorities said someone recognized Ernie Daniels, who was drinking free beer at the party, and called police.

“We had hired officers on duty who recognized him. They went up and asked him if he was who they thought he was, and apparently they just walked him out,” Peduto said. “The sergeant from Zone 5 went over and told him he was under arrest. There was no resistance whatsoever.

Daniels, 54, was wanted for aggravated assault and weapons charges, police said.

“There was a bench warrant on him for failure to appear. The charge was that he beat his brother with a ball bat and the charge was aggravated assault,” Sheriff William Mullen said.

Mullen said Daniels made the most wanted list in June when he failed to appear for trial.

“How about it? America’s most wanted comes to a campaign headquarters near you,” Peduto jokingly said Wednesday.

WPXI