Watch CBS News

City Officer Has Close Call In Garfield Heights

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh police are looking for a driver who tried to run over an officer.

At about 4 a.m. Tuesday, a Pittsburgh police officer on foot doing proactive patrolling saw a man loading fencing from a construction site into his van in Garfield Heights.

"He quickly discovered that the suspect was taking some objects for his own personal use and was not a worker at the job site," Pittsburgh Police Cmdr. Thomas Stangrecki said.

This incident happened near Columbo Street and Pacific Avenue.

"The officer attempted to detain the suspect," Stangrecki said. "However, the suspect was able to struggle and get into the van."

Not only did he get in the van, the suspect started the engine and began to drive off with the officer holding on.

The officer wasn't hurt.

"At some point the officer discharged his weapon at the suspect; however, it appears the suspect may have not been injured by the gunfire and was able to successfully drive away," Stangrecki added.

The van is white and possibly a Pontiac Montana. Investigators believe the suspect may be from the Morningside, Stanton Heights or Garfield area.

The suspect is described as a black male with medium complexion and muscular build. He's about 5-feet, 9-inches tall and weighs 190 pounds.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

RELATED LINKS:
Pittsburgh Police
More Local News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.