Brookline Residents Catch Thief in Action

Quick thinking by Brookline residents helped police catch a man who was breaking into cars Friday night on Berkshire Avenue.

When Pittsburgh police officers arrived on scene just after 11 p.m., neighborhood residents had surrounded 26-year-old Michael Evan Krizan, no known address.

Police had received multiple 911 calls from residents in the 1100 block of Berkshire Avenue, who reported they'd seen a man—identified as Krizan—trying to open car doors on the street and in driveways.

One man told police he was walking to his car when he noticed that Krizan already was sitting inside.

Officers recovered stolen property from Krizan's person, and from a plastic bag he was carrying.

Krizan was arrested and charged with the following: theft from vehicle; loitering and prowling at night; theft by unlawful taking or disposition—movable item; and receiving stolen property. He was taken to Allegheny County Jail.

Police remind residents to lock their car doors and keep valuables out of sight.

Those who need to claim stolen property, or who have information about recent incidents, should contact Zone Six detectives at 412-937-3051.

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