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Pittsburgh police chase down robbery suspect
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Plainclothes detectives from the city's Zone 2 station arrested a suspected Downtown street robber last night after they said he stole several hundred dollars from a man and tried to punch an officer.
James Martin, 46, who is homeless, was arraigned early this morning on charges of robbery, escape, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, making terroristic threats and resisting arrest.
Detectives from the city's Hill District station were working near Smithfield Street about 9 p.m. as part of an effort to crack down on an increase in thefts, robberies and complaints about public drunkenness, drug sales and panhandling.
The officers heard a man yell "stop" and then spotted the victim chasing Mr. Martin on Fifth Avenue, police spokeswoman Diane Richard said in a news release.
She said officers chased the suspect onto William Penn Place, where he tried to punch an officer and threw away four $100 bills in the struggle.
The victim told police he met Mr. Martin in a bar and that Mr. Martin punched him repeatedly in the face while trying to take his wallet.
Mr. Martin is being held on $20,000 bail.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call Zone 2 plainclothes detectives at 412-255-2610.
First Published January 16, 2013 2:33 pm
