One man identified, another unknown in shooting of auto shop worker

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — A Stanton Heights man is wanted for attempted murder in the shooting of an auto body shop worker. Police need the public’s help identifying the person who pulled the trigger.

A warrant was issued for Harold Toomer.

According to police, Toomer went to Joe’s Automotive Repair in Lawrenceville on Monday to get his license plate off a totaled car that he left at the shop. That’s when, police said, he started arguing with the owner’s son, Michael Brown.

“I would never expect that a customer would come up here and shoot my son, especially a guy that I've been dealing with for the last six or seven years,” said Brown’s father, Joe.

Joe Brown told Channel 11’s Courtney Brennan he heard a popping sound but thought a jack fell or a car backfired.

It was actually a gunshot that hit Michael Brown in the ribs. He is in critical condition.

Police paperwork showed Toomer and Michael Brown exchanged words and began to argue. Brown allegedly slammed his hands on the hood of Toomer’s car. The paperwork said that’s when the passenger in the car pulled out a gun and fired one shot at Brown

The passenger who allegedly shot Michael Brown is described as a man in his 20s.

Cox Media Group