Pittsburgh man charged with attempted homicide after Downtown shooting
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A man was shot in the arm in Downtown Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
Officials said the shooting happened around 4 p.m. in Downtown Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Public Safety said the man was taken to a local hospital in stable condition. He was shot twice.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto said the investigation is in the early stages, but it appears it was some type of road rage incident that started on the city's South Side.
"There's reports from witnesses that the victim vehicle was driving erratically from the Smithfield Street Bridge into town, and we believe that the actual shots fired occurred at Third (Avenue) and Cherry (Way)," Scirotto said.
Police said the victim was driving a black Dodge Charger, which came to a stop on Smithfield Street between Fourth and Forbes avenues, a few blocks from where they believe the shooting occurred.
On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Public Safety said 58-year-old Ray Rivera of Pittsburgh was arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. He faces a list of charges, including attempted homicide.
"We don't believe there's anybody that is at large and endangering any of our citizens, residents or businesses Downtown. Seems like a very isolated incident directed at the person that was shot," the chief said on Tuesday.
The shooting comes after the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police increased its officer presence Downtown. Police said the new "high-visibility police patrol initiative" aims to create a safer environment around the clock.
Here's what Chief Scirotto said when asked if he believes Downtown is safe.
"It is a safe environment," Scirotto said. "These incidents occur and I know they shake the core of people's comfort, and I don't take that lightly. Our officers don't take that lightly. We do our best to ensure that environment feels safe."
He said there have been a multitude of gun and drug arrests Downtown, and police are also working with the Allegheny County Department of Human and Health Services to help with mental health issues.
"We continue to be as proactive as we can be to avoid these incidents from occurring. And we'll hold those accountable for those acts of violence," Scirotto said.
Anyone who witnessed this incident or has videos can contact Pittsburgh police.