A Homewood man who was shot and killed last night in front of his apartment building has been identified as Deon Smith.

Mr. Smith, 22, of North Braddock Avenue, was found mortally wounded about 10:30 p.m. on the steps in front of his apartment in the 800 block.

He was pronounced dead at 10:51 p.m. at UPMC Presbyterian.

The incident first was reported by Allegheny County sheriff's deputies, who had been in the vicinity on other business when they heard shots at 10:25 p.m.

Police said Mr. Smith had been sitting on the steps with friends when the gunman walked up with a pistol.

After firing several rounds, the suspect ran away. At least one of the bullets struck Mr. Smith in the back.

Eyewitnesses said the gunman was wearing a light-colored shirt, shorts and a "safari" style hat.

Security guards driving nearby at the time told police they saw a man run inside an abandoned apartment building in the 7500 block of Bennett Street.

A SWAT unit was dispatched and found a couple inside the building. The man and woman were questioned at police headquarters and released.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the homicide office at 412-323-7161, or call 311 to leave an anonymous tip.