Police Reports: Assault at Total Pet, Attempted Home Burglary

Oct. 1

• Christine Blalock, 35, was transported to Allegheny County Jail after a traffic stop in which police found there was a warrant for her arrest. The stop was made on West Swissvale Avenue. Two traffic citations were issued to her by mail.
• A simple assault incident was reported at Burton’s Total Pet at Edgewood Towne Center. Employee Joaquin Wilson told police that he was assaulted by ex-employee Preston McClain inside of the store. McClain then fled and was gone before police arrived. A warrant for his arrest is in process.
• Edgewood police assisted Wilkinsburg officers in an attempt to stop two men possibly involved in a home invasion. Edgewood police assisted with identifying the men and transporting them to the Wilkinsburg station.
• Police responded to an attempted burglary at 327 Chestnut. The resident stated that someone tried to come into the home through a second floor window. A chair was removed from the back porch and the suspect gained access to a roof area. No entry was made.
• A disturbance was reported at Edgewood Avenue and Gordon after a couple was fighting. Tajel Johnson was cited for underage drinking and released. Her boyfriend left before police arrived.

Oct. 2

• Retail theft was reported at the Dollar Tree store at Edgewood Towne Center after manager Joseph Graboski stopped a man who became verbal and physical. The man headed to Giant Eagle and was gone when police arrived. No one was injured.
• Edgewood police assisted Swissvale officers with a driving under the influence arrest. Gary Kmetic was taken into custody after a traffic stop for a possible DUI when his breath tests read .286 and .289 for blood alcohol content.

Oct. 3

• Police took a fraud report after a local woman discovered her Target Visa card had been used in San Diego, CA and had a charge of $113.
• Police assisted the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department after a CO2 alarm went off at 132 Dewey. Elevated readings were taken and the gas company was notified.

Oct. 4

• A $50 counterfeit bill was taken from Giant Eagle at Edgewood Towne Center sometime on Oct. 3.
• A theft from a locker at Planet Fitness was reported at Edgewood Towne Center. Brandon Bierer had items stolen from his locker, including jeans and  a book bag that were later found at the gym. His wallet was found in a garbage can without his car keys or driver’s license. A PNC bank card and payroll check also were dscovered. Surveillance video was reviewed with negative results.
• Retail theft was reported at Kmart after two juvenile boys attempted to take two Airsoft guns. Kmart is handling the incident.

Oct. 5

• A suspicious person holding up traffic at Pennwood and Race Street was reported. Tristin Smith was advised to leave.

Oct. 6

• A verbal dispute was reported at the Reel Hollywood Bar & Grill at Edgewood Towne Center after John Rosenthal stated that the owner, David Firman, would not turn over his draft beer tower and other items belonging to him. After counsel, the owner agreed to hand over the items for a small sum of money. Both advised.