Police: Officer shoots man holding woman, baby hostage in Arlington
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Police said officers shot a man after they got a call about a woman and baby being held hostage inside a truck in Pittsburgh's Arlington neighborhood.
According to Pittsburgh police, the calls for help came just after 8:30 Friday morning. A woman allegedly told police she was being held in a vehicle against her will. Police found the vehicle near Devlin Street and Syrian Street.
Allegheny County police said as a Pittsburgh officer approached, the driver, 29-year-old Gregory Freed, said he had a gun and charged at the officer while threatening to shoot.
County police said the officer fired two rounds, hitting Freed. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, county police said.
The caller was identified as Freed's ex-girlfriend and police said Freed is the baby's father. The woman and child weren't hurt.
After consulting with the district attorney's office, Freed was charged with aggravated assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, strangulation and terroristic threats.
"It's a little nerve-racking because you don't want that to happen in your neighborhood, but things happen anymore," said Beverly Meyers, who lives nearby.
Neighbors like Meyers said they didn't hear anything until they heard shots.
"I thought something fell off the wall or something fell down in the basement. Then, all the police came, so I knew something was wrong," Meyers said.
Meyers has lived on the street for decades and never had any situation like this unfold near her house, but she's not surprised either.
"I can't worry about anything. Just have to go with the flow. I'm 81 years old so whatever happens, happens," Meyers said.
County police said Freed is recovering at a hospital until he can be arraigned.