Suspect In Violent South Side Flats Carjacking In Custody
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A man is in custody after a woman was badly beaten and carjacked Wednesday night in the South Side Flats.
Officers were first called just before 8 p.m. to the area of Wharton Square. The victim ended up in the rear of the Giant Eagle shopping plaza off of Wharton Street.
Police taped off a secluded area near the Giant Eagle's loading dock.
Watch Ralph Iannotti's report --
Detectives put down about eight evidence markers near a large dumpster. One of the items on the ground looked like a guitar case.
Police say the woman picked up the suspect, who police say she knew, around 6 p.m. on Fifth Avenue, in the Soho area of the city. They drove to the South Side where woman was then physically assaulted at Merriman and S. 21st Streets, near the Giant Eagle.
She was then driven to the rear of the shopping plaza, and thrown out of the car. Police say she walked to the Giant Eagle and called 911 for help.
The victim's injuries appeared to be consistent with being pistol whipped, officials said. She was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital and in critical but stable condition.
The woman's car was taken by her assailant.
The suspect was taken into custody early Thursday morning. The victim's car was found off Route 28.
As of Thursday morning, the victim was still listed in serious condition.
