Police Continue Undercover Stings In Carrick

Days after police cracked down on prostitution in Carrick, they said they’re now catching suspected drug dealers in action.

In a new effort, Pittsburgh police narcotics and vice officers are going community to community to knock out crime, and Channel 11 News uncovered what areas they're concentrating on.

Along Brownsville Road, Metricia Rodriguez, Diana Rodgers and Dannette Flaherty were recently arrested on charges of prostitution.

Local residents and business owners said they’re glad police are focusing on the area.

"I think with the increased patrols and surveillance, it might turn things around here a little bit,” said business owner Denis Rader.

An officer working with narcotics and vice said the prostitution and drugs are moving further up Brownsville than ever before.

Recently, LaMar Carter, of Clairton, and Craig McGrath, of Pittsburgh, were charged after narcotic detectives said they witnessed a drug deal.

The arrests are part of a new police focus on Carrick, where many neighbors have complained often about illegal activity.

Inside nearby Nobles 51 Bar, customers told Channel 11 News the latest undercover sting worked.

"I think it will help the neighborhood,” said Carrick resident Dean Countz. “There are some kinds of problems in the area."

Residents living in the area said they appreciate the patrols, but said it's not a problem that won’t be solved overnight.

"Rome wasn't built in a day,” said neighbor Paul Wronjak. “You got to start somewhere, so you start with the prostitution and whatnot and just work your way up and get rid of a lot of riffraff on the street."

“You just have to keep the bad element down,” said Rader. “You are not going to get rid of it, but you have to keep it down."

Previous Stories: August 26, 2010: 2 Arrested In Undercover Carrick Prostitution Sting

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