PITTSBURGH — Police are searching for a man accused of assaulting someone with a hammer before leading officers on a chase in Pittsburgh.
Court records obtained by Channel 11 show the incident began Tuesday along Diana Street in Spring Hill, where 34-year-old Johnathan Fernando Rivera went to a man’s home demanding money.
Police claim Rivera struck the man in the head multiple times with a hammer. The victim told police he had known Rivera for only a week.
Medics treated the victim on scene, but he declined to be taken to the hospital.
Officers later located Rivera’s vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but Rivera fled, disobeying traffic laws as he drove toward Oakland, police say. During the chase, Rivera struck another occupied vehicle, the criminal complaint says.
Police say Rivera crashed before abandoning the green Kia, reportedly stolen, and running into a parking garage along De Soto Street. Officers were unable to find him, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Pitt Police described Rivera as wearing a black tossel cap, blue jeans and a gray hoodie. Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911.
The chase prompted a safety alert to University of Pittsburgh students in the area, warning them to avoid parts of campus.
“We were just all really concerned because what was going to happen if we had to go outside?” said Bobby Closkey, a student who received the alert.
Students said the incident was unsettling, given how close it occurred to campus.
“It’s just pretty shocking to have that happen so close to home,” student Mia Adamczyk said. “It’s not something you see every day.”
Rivera is facing 20 charges, including assault, theft and fleeing police.
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