Officials address concerns of violence on South Side after recent stabbing

PITTSBURGH — In an area that attracts so many people, South Side business owners say they are concerned about violence in their neighborhood.

The most recent incident, in which two people were stabbed, happened Tuesday night. Police found a crime scene in the 1700 block of East Carson Street, where it is believed that both men were stabbed after getting into a fight, Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Emily Schaffer said.

Shortly after 11:30 p.m., one of the men walked into UPMC Mercy Hospital with a stab wound, Schaffer said. He was taken into surgery and was last listed in critical but stable condition.

The second man was listed in stable condition at UPMC Mercy Hospital, where he was taken after police were called to Brownsville Road about 2 a.m., Schaffer said.

One of the men is well-known in the neighborhood. Word spread quickly along East Carson Street that the man affectionately known as Kung Fu Joe was stabbed with a broken beer bottle near 17th Street.

“He's like the neighborhood guy, everybody knows Kung Fu on the South Side,” said Mike Simcoe. “He's a really nice guy, He's always looking out for people in the neighborhood."

Police said it was a gruesome scene and add that they're thankful no one was killed. But, they added, this was a random act of violence and not a reflection of a deeper neighborhood problem.

The mayor's chief of staff, Kevin Acklin, says the city has seen progress in the neighborhood since implementing its Responsible Hospitality Initiative.

"You've got a number of problem bars that have been closed with the help of the DA's office. We've restyled how we patrol the South Side,” Acklin said. “The goal here is preserving and cultivating a nightlife in the South Side that can coexist with the residential community and it has been a challenge."

Councilman Bruce Kraus, who lives on the South Side, said, ”It is so sad that in this day and age random acts of violence are becoming commonplace. However, the recommended policies ... of our Responsible Hospitality Initiative are a proven success."

Kraus said city officials remain fully committed to the process of trying to balance a vibrant residential neighborhood with a growing entertainment industry.

Several restaurant owners said they appreciate the increased police presence and the community policing they see.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Violent Crime Unit is investigating Tuesday night’s incident.

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