TARENTUM, Pa. — A local shelter for battered women has evicted seven women and seven children after claiming the residents threatened and battered staff members.
The Alle-Kiski Hope Center lists an address and phone number in Tarentum, about 20 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, though its emergency shelter location is secret to protect its residents.
But over the weekend, Executive Director Michelle Bond said it was the staff who needed protecting.
No criminal charges have been filed, but Bond said that a "perfect storm of personalities" led one resident to spit on a staff member on Friday.
When the shelter couldn't make immediate arrangements to move the resident, other problems, including minor vandalism, occurred over the weekend and prompted a house meeting Tuesday night.
Bond said when two staff members were assaulted, the shelter evicted all the residents.
“The violence did escalate and there were two advocates that were assaulted,” Boyd said.
Neighbors told Channel 11’s Timyka Artist that they heard a loud commotion, followed by arguing and cursing.
“It’s the saddest day I’ve spent in 10 years of domestic-violence services, but I know everyone is safe,” Boyd said. “For the children involved, I wish them peace.”
Boyd said no serious injuries were reported, and the women were given bus passes and a list of other local shelters. Workers chose not to press charges.
WPXI
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