Security guard shot in East Liberty

PITTSBURGH — A security guard was shot in East Liberty on Wednesday.

Just before 8 p.m. across the street from the East Liberty Home Depot, police said a security guard was in a parking lot watching the building and the parked cars. The guard noticed a group of kids trying to break into cars, and he began to approach the kids when they shot him in the leg.

“I just don’t feel safe going out at night,” said Joyce Parr, an East Liberty resident.

At 7:45 p.m., East End Cooperative Ministry is packed, an overnight shelter and food distribution center, the facility is usually bustling in the evening with volunteers, workers, and those receiving services.

“It’s an extremely busy time when people are coming, when people are getting showers, people are preparing to eat meals so major adjustments and transitions are going on,” said Rev. Darnell Leonard, the CEO and president of East End Cooperative Ministry.

But Wednesday night instead of people finding refuge at the center they were greeted by officers and paramedics responding to a shooting.

“For that to happen at that time of the night was quite dangerous,” Rev. Leonard said.

Those in the area say they are tired of the senseless violence.

“I think it is up to the parents the parents need to have better control over their children,” Parr said.

“We have to do something to get this vicious mindset off of the hearts and minds of youngsters,” added Rev. Leonard.

The guard is home recovering, and the organization credits him with stopping something that could have been much worse.

“The staff is fine, and the clients here are fine,” Rev. Leonard said.

Pittsburgh Police are still actively investigating.

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