Arson suspect allegedly sucker-punches police officer, takes Taser

PITTSBURGH — A man confronted by police for reportedly harassing women near the SouthSide Works complex struck an officer and took his Taser before being arrested, police said Thursday.

The scuffle took place near the Hot Metal Bridge, police said.

The officer attempted to use his Taser after the man sucker-punched him, police said, but it was ineffective. The suspect took it and ran, throwing the weapon toward the Monongahela River.

Police deployed a K-9 to track the man down, and he was taken to the hospital for treatment for dog bites, police said.

Police say the man matches the description of an arson suspect who tried to set a car on fire on Sycamore Street in Mt. Washington.

The owner of that car, Joshua Denton, told Channel 11 the same man tried to break into his apartment in June, and that may be why the man tried to light his car on fire.

"The only thing I can think is we have a case going on and he has to go to trial for that," Denton said. "Maybe he's angry at me. I hope his life gets better."

TRENDING NOW:

• Local barber charged with selling crack out of shop
• Dad accused of starving infant daughter told 911 dispatcher baby was 'dead as a doornail'
• Man falls 2 stories on set of Mister Rogers movie, taken to hospital in serious condition
• VIDEO: Aerial Footage Of Hurricane Michael Damage
• DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts

Cox Media Group