Man charged with attempted homicide for allegedly attacking man at downtown hotel

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh police say a man was viciously attacked at a downtown hotel, and the person they say is responsible is facing attempted homicide charges.

Officers were called to the Even Hotel along Forbes Avenue around 7 p.m. Monday for a report of a fight. First responders found a man unconscious with his pants ripped off and blood coming from his head, according to the complaint.

The suspect, Heiko Calhoun, 26, was found along Smithfield Street, where he was taken into custody.

Calhoun told officers the victim walked by him in the lobby and said something to provoke him, so he put the victim in a chokehold then stomped the victim, according to the complaint.

Officers viewed surveillance of the incident which showed the victim at an elevator alone when Calhoun walked up behind him, and “viciously assaulted the victim,” put him in a chokehold then banged his head on the floor, according to court documents. The man was motionless on the floor when Calhoun returned several times to kick and stomp him and to take items from him, including his pants, police said.

The man was hospitalized with a head injury and was intubated, listed in critical condition, according to court documents.

Calhoun is facing charges of criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault, robbery and reckless endangerment.

The Even Hotel released the following statement to Channel 11:

“Our thoughts are with this guest and their family during this difficult time. We appreciate the swift actions by our hotel staff, the Pittsburgh Police Department and local EMTs who rendered aid to our guest. We will continue to cooperate with local authorities in their investigation. Any additional questions on this matter can be directed to the Pittsburgh Police Department.

The safety of our guests and hotel staff is always our highest priority. The doors to the building are locked from 8pm to 8am and only accessible during those hours with a guest key. This includes access to the hotel lobby on the 5th floor.”

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