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Man accused of nearly running over detective during drug sting in Brookline

PITTSBURGH — A 48-year-old Brookline man is facing several charges after investigators said he attempted to run over a detective during a drug sting Wednesday.

Pittsburgh police, state police and U.S. Postal Inspectors said they have been investigating Dominic Demarco for having packages of marijuana delivered to several homes in the Pittsburgh area.

On Wednesday, investigators said they zeroed in on a home on Plainview Avenue where they waited for Demarco to pick up a package that contained several pounds of marijuana.

Neighbors said they often saw packages being delivered to a home on the street, but didn't think anything of it.

"UPS delivered here a lot. I hadn't thought of that. I chalked it up to the holidays," said Linda Rhyne.

According to the criminal complaint, undercover postal inspectors knocked on the door of the home and dropped off a parcel at the front door, while police waited in a driveway across the street.

About an hour later, police said, Demarco pulled up, picked up the package and attempted to drive away.

Officials said when narcotics detectives tried to stop him, Demarco stepped on the gas and nearly ran over a detective. Police said Demarco also hit an unmarked police car and took off.

Detectives said they questioned the man who lived at the home where the package was delivered. Investigators said the man was an employee of Demarco's and said he had been receiving packages from California on behalf of Demarco for the past several months.

When investigators searched the home, police said they found $16,000. Police said they also searched Demarco's home, where he lives with his wife and two children, and found $4,000 and a bag of hashish.

Demarco is facing a number of charges including aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and fleeing police.