Man dies after being shot multiple times in Wilkinsburg
WILKINSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- A 58-year-old man was shot and killed overnight in Wilkinsburg.
Allegheny County police said Wilkinsburg officers were first called out around 12:15 a.m. Monday after 911 dispatchers were notified of shots fired near the area of Maple Street.
When first responders arrived at the scene, they found a man inside a vehicle who had been shot multiple times.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office identifies him as Leodis Heards of Wilkinsburg.
Police have not provided any suspect descriptions or announced any arrests and say the investigation is ongoing.
"I'm kind of surprised it was an older gentleman that was shot, and also because crime seemed to have gone down in Wilkinsburg as far as violence and a shooting on a regular basis," said Ella Rawlings.
Rawlings is the secretary of MAD DADS and president of its moms division. The non-profit organization visits neighborhoods riddled with violence to make them safer.
Rawlings said this latest shooting is a sign their work in Wilkinsburg is far from over.
"We have an opportunity to sow into the lives of the people in Wilkinsburg," said Rawlings. "So that's why we're taking time to start with the younger group. We have to build a rapport with this generation so we can bring about change."
Rawlings said they mentor children and teenagers as well as develop different activities to keep them off the streets and on a positive path.
"We have to bring people in the community, like I said, they can't operate out of fear, they have to join up and help to get rid of the violence, help alleviate the violence," said Rawlings. "It's going to take a village."
Wilkinsburg Mayor Dontae Comans agreed. He said in a statement:
"With our block watches, community members reaching out to me directly with their concerns, and our police department being proactive after receiving information, we're working together to tackle issues because we know our community and its residents care."
Comans encouraged residents to start a block watch group so they can all be vigilant and in sync.
MAD DADS is holding a harvest festival Saturday, Oct. 29 at 1:30. It's at Park Avenue Playground on Park Avenue. There will be food and games and it's free to enter.