Sting operation in Oakland results in arrest of heroin dealer

PITTSBURGH — A man known to be a heroin dealer has been arrested after a sting operation in Oakland, according to police.

With the help of a confidential informant, state police were able to catch Robert Woods, 40, during what they referred to as a “controlled drug acquisition.”

The confidential informant set up a drug deal with Woods in the parking lot of a CVS Pharmacy on Centre Avenue, police said. When Woods showed up, he sold the informant 20 bricks of heroin stamped with “Gotta have it.”

Police stepped in, but Woods jumped into his car and hit a patrol car while attempting to flee from the parking lot. Police said the parking lot was busy with customers.

“This corner gets very busy, especially at night,” neighbor Jamaal Davis said. “I would be startled. I was startled when you told me. I pay a lot of money to live in this neighborhood, and for stuff like that to happen, it's not cool.”

Troopers were able to stop Woods before he got out of the parking lot. He was then arrested.

Davis said he is glad that Woods is off the streets, but wonders why police chose to conduct their operation in a heavily trafficked area.

“I don't think you should be doing sting operations. You don't know what could happen. Someone could start shooting or whatever the case may be, so they should have found another area,” Davis said.

Woods was taken to the Allegheny County jail and faces a list of charges.

Cox Media Group