5 day forecast
Man held in robbery may be tied to thefts
Share with others:
Pittsburgh police have charged a North Side man with robbing a woman last week in the Strip District and say he is likely involved in a recent rash of thefts from vehicles in that neighborhood.
Police on Tuesday announced the arrest of Joseph Pail, 27, who they said robbed a woman at gunpoint of her wallet, cash and gift cards. The woman identified Mr. Pail as the assailant from a photo lineup, police said.
Although court records indicate detectives have not charged Mr. Pail in connection with the recent thefts, they believe he may be associated with the break-ins, which have taken place mostly in the Strip District, from 16th Street to 38th Street and near the Cork Factory Lofts on Railroad Street. Men believed to be from the Spring Garden area have been taking electronics, GPS units, iPods, clothing and items to pawn to support their heroin habits.
Police on Monday charged John J. Girvin, 27, of Spring Garden with 13 counts of theft from vehicles, criminal mischief and other crimes and were seeking arrest warrants for several other men, which they hoped would help them solve dozens of break-ins. Officers are also investigating whether the men have been involved in a series of break-ins on the North Side.
Police this week urged motorists to keep their valuables in the trunk and off of the seats and consoles of their vehicles, where they can be seen, because the thieves in recent cases have taken items they have seen through the car windows.
First Published August 16, 2012 12:00 am
