Pittsburgh police increase presence after crime spikes in eastern neighborhoods

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police have increased the number of officers in the city’s eastern neighborhoods following a recent spike in criminal activity, officials told Channel 11 News on Tuesday.

Three of the incidents happened Monday night. An armed robber who held up a Family Dollar in Point Breeze escaped with cash and cigarettes, police said.

Moments later, calls came in regarding two assaults in East Liberty, authorities said.

Investigators said they believe the two assaults may be related because they were reported less than a block away from each other.

One of the victims said four to six juveniles assaulted him on Station Street. Authorities said another call came in less than a block away with the victim saying he was punch in the face. Police said both victims described the same suspects.

Investigators said they don’t believe the Family Dollar store robbery is linked to the assaults, and Monday night’s incidents are being investigated separately from five robberies at East Liberty businesses earlier this month.

"There's a lot of businesses in that area. Just the fact there's a school there where kids are coming to and from, it's a concern,” Friendship resident Janet Myles said.

Residents who spoke with Channel 11 News said they’re taking unusual steps to keep loved ones safe.

"Every day when she leaves for school, we look at what (my granddaughters') wearing, what she put on today, just in case,” Pierre Robinson said.

Cox Media Group