Allegheny County gun violence task force makes arrests, seizures as NFL Draft nears

Roughly a month out from the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, authorities have been working to keep illegal guns off the streets.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Office says the Allegheny County Gun Violence Task Force has made several arrests and seized guns this month, as thousands of football fans are about to descend on the area.

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“With the NFL Draft on the horizon — and the expected gathering of hundreds of thousands of football fans in Pittsburgh — we have collaborated with partners in recent weeks to remove dozens of firearms and dangerous offenders from western Pennsylvania communities,” Sunday said. “While this sweep was contained to Allegheny County, we have made significant busts there and in neighboring counties that will go a long way in improving public safety.”

On Tuesday, the AG’s office says, multiple agencies executed a search warrant on Etna Street in McKees Rocks after juveniles posted photos of multiple guns on social media.

Authorities found three guns, including one that was stolen; magazines, ammo and marijuana and ecstasy pills. Two juveniles are now facing charges.

Jeff McDonald saw members of the task force in his McKees Rocks neighborhood.

“SWAT came in, ATF, police – you name it, they were here,” McDonald said. “I’m glad the Draft is coming, gave them a little kick in the butt to get the guns off, but it should be done every single day, 365 days a year, 24/7.”

“I’m glad they got them off the street because that’s the last thing we need is a bunch of guns and young people with guns in their hands,” neighbor Rahsaan Brooks said.

On March 19, a search warrant on Dorothy Drive in Rankin yielded a Glock 9mm pistol, as well as magazines and ammo. Jailen D. Mitchell, 19, is facing charges in connection, officials say.

Last December, Mitchell posted a photo on Instagram showing himself with a handgun and a significant amount of cash. That post and others like it led to his arrest, according to a criminal complaint.

Court documents said that the gun was thrown out of a bedroom window at Mitchell’s house on Dorothy Drive when the task force executed its search warrant.

A day before, authorities executed a search warrant on Greenbush Street in Pittsburgh’s Mount Washington neighborhood, where they seized two guns, including one that was stolen, and a laser attachment.

Authorities charged 18-year-old Daonte King, who had an outstanding warrant, and arrested his mother, Shantese Skrine, on a felony warrant, officials say. She’s also facing charges in connection with items found during the search.

Court documents said one of the guns was found in Skrine’s purse. King told police he found the other at a house party in the North Side.

Officials say these actions follow enforcement across Allegheny, Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties that have yielded more than 50 guns and many arrests since 2026.

“Serving on the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force, alongside leaders like Attorney General Dave Sunday, is a responsibility my department members take with deep pride,” Allegheny County Housing Authority Police Chief Mike Vogel said. “The recent seizures of illegal firearms, and the arrests connected to those weapons, are the result of relentless teamwork and a shared commitment to protecting our communities. Every gun taken off the street represents a life potentially saved, a neighborhood made safer, and a clear message that we will not allow violent crime to take root in our Commonwealth.”

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