Top Stories

Man suspected of pistol-whipping grandmother also linked to woman's carjacking

WILKINSBURG, Pa. — The man charged with assaulting a Wilkinsburg grandmother during a home invasion, is also suspected in the carjacking and assault of a woman in South Side Flats on Wednesday night.

Johnny Johnson had been on the run since Sunday morning when Allegheny County Police say he held a Wilkinsburg grandmother and her three young granddaughters hostage inside a house on Wood Street.

He terrorized them so badly, according to police, that their screams could be heard up and down the street.

Channel 11 was the first to report Johnson was arraigned on that charge Thursday morning.

TRENDING NOW:

Pennsylvania State Police spotted Johnson driving a stolen car on Route 28 and took him into custody.

It was the same car police sources say Johnson, in a violent rage, stole from a woman after he brutally beat her on the South Side.

Channel 11 broke this story and will continue to follow it. Download our WPXI News App for alerts on this story and other breaking news.

Pittsburgh police told Channel 11 the woman knew her attacker, had picked him up downtown and driven him to 21st and Merriman.

Moments later, she was assaulted behind the South Side Giant Eagle and thrown from the car.

PREVIOUS STORY: Badly beaten woman walks to Giant Eagle for help after carjacking, assault

Johnson is considered so dangerous he was denied bail. At his arraignment, the judge said: "There are no combination of conditions that will assure appearance in court and protect the public. Bail denied.”

The Wilkinsburg grandmother who was pistol whipped and robbed told police she knew Johnson and thought of him as a family friend before Sunday morning.

The grandmother is recovering, but Wednesday night's carjacking victim is in critical condition.

Johnson faces several charges, including aggravated assault, robbery, unlawful restraint, false imprisonment and terroristic threats, police said.

 

Cox Media Group

Most Read