William Scannell

Allegheny County police are searching for a 35-year-old man accused of pistol-whipping a doctor and his wife at a medical professional building in Bellevue last night.

Police said William Scannell, one of the doctor's patients, had just arrived for an evening appointment when he assaulted the wife, who is a receptionist, and tried to shoot both her and the doctor before stealing money and prescription drugs.

He entered Suburban General Hospital's Professional Building at Lincoln and North Jackson avenues just before 6 p.m. and confronted the pair in a basement office, police said. A "struggle ensued," and the man fired three shots before he fled up a set of stairs and out a front door, Bellevue Police Chief Matt Sentner said.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Mr. Scannell, who lived most recently in Bloomfield but also has ties to the North Side, police said. He is described as white, 5-feet-10, approximately 160 pounds. He recently shaved or shortened his beard.

Mr. Scannell has used various aliases, including combinations of the names William, James and Phillip.

He faces charges of aggravated assault, robbery, reckless endangerment, theft and weapons violations. He should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to call county police at 412-473-3000.

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