Police arrest ‘aggressive' panhandler outside South Side grocery store

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Police arrested a man accused of aggressively panhandling in a public area and aggravated assault outside a South Side grocery store

According to the criminal complaint, Thomas Keyser was arrested on Friday at the South Side Giant Eagle and charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and aggressive panhandling in a public area.

Authorities said when the officers arrived at the store, Keyser had a pit bull and was verbally threatening the officers.

The complaint said Keyser said, “I’m just trying to get a little money.”

Customers of the South Side grocery store told Channel 11 that they weren't surprised to hear about the arrest.

Keyser's pit bull was taken by animal control officers.  Keyser was taken to jail.

WPXI