Downtown Pittsburgh Truck Theft Attempt Causes Chaos

PITTSBURGH, PA —The attempted theft of a box truck in Downtown Pittsburgh Thursday resulted in the truck being driven over a street median, the damage of several trees and a pedestrian nearly being hit, police said.

Pittsburgh Public Safety officials said police were dispatched to Liberty Avenue at 11th Street around 1 p.m. for a report of several males fighting.

Arriving officers found two men restraining a third man and were told that the man being restrained stole a box truck.

Th box truck owner told police that he was making a delivery to a business in the 900 block of Penn Avenue. After he made the delivery and exited the business, he saw the truck driving away.

The man ran after the truck and was able to catch it when it stopped at a red traffic light at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and Grant Street. The owner then opened the passenger door, entered the vehicle and an altercation ensued.

While attempting to flee the scene, the suspect drove the truck onto a nearby sidewalk.

The vehicle owner was able to take control of the steering wheel and engage the emergency brake, causing the truck to stop on 11th Street near Liberty Avenue. The victim, with the assistance
of another male, restrained the suspect until police arrived.

The suspect, who has yet to be identified, was taken to a nearby hospital for medical clearance. A warrant was applied for and charges are forthcoming.