Double Homicide Suspect Victor Steban Facing New Charges For Attempting Carjacking During Massive Manhunt
NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. (KDKA) - Double homicide Victor Steban is facing new charges for allegedly trying to steal a vehicle as police were closing in on him during a massive manhunt.
The 53-year-old was captured on Route 30 after an alleged crime spree through Westmoreland County. He's already accused of a slew of crimes, including a double homicide, a fire at his own home and multiple drive-by shootings, one of which police say was targeting former national Pagan leader Dennis Katoona.
Now Steban is charged with robbery of a motor vehicle and illegally possessing firearms.
On the run after he allegedly shot and killed Penn Township couple Jacob Erdeljac and Mara Casale, Steban allegedly approached two men sitting in a truck at the intersection of North Thompson Lane and Route 30. With an army of police officers closing in on his location, investigators say the 53-year-old as desperate for transportation.
"He walked up to the passenger side of the car and told the occupants to get out of the vehicle. When they asked him why, he again told them to get out of the vehicle. They told him no and he looked at them then took off running across the highway. That's when they realized he had a gun at this side," said North Huntingdon Detective Thomas Harris.
Police caught up with Steban shortly afterward. Investigators say Steban was impressed at how the passengers kept their heads about them as the accused killer told them he wanted to take the wheel.
"These kids are lucky he didn't shoot them or take one of them hostage," said Harris.
After he was captured, investigators say they discovered several weapons ditched at the top of the hill behind this medical practice on Route 30 including a loaded AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.
Steban was eventually taken into custody on Route 30 without incident. Police say he had three weapons on him at the time.
