Crime & Safety

Police Warn Tow Truck Drivers of Recent Robberies in Wilkinsburg Area

Local drivers should stay alert and beware of recent crimes.

Twice within the last month, unknown suspects have contacted tow truck drivers to respond to the East Hills and Wilkinsburg corridor to remove or sell a disabled vehicle. In both incidents, the drivers were robbed by armed suspects when they went to the prearranged location, according to Pittsburgh police. The investigation is ongoing.

On Nov. 29 at about 2 p.m., a tow truck driver victim met suspect No. 1 in the 500 block of Haverhill to pick up a junk vehicle. Suspect No. 1 is described as an African-American male, approximately 18 to 25 years of age wearing a black varsity style jacket, blue/gray pattern pajama-type pants and a black tassel cap.

As the victim was preparing to hook the vehicle up to his tow truck, he requested the title to the vehicle as proof of ownership. Suspect No. 1 told the victim his friend was bringing the title to their location. The victim reported to police that when the second suspect arrived, he was armed with a weapon and robbed him of an undisclosed amount of money. Suspect No. 2 was described as an African-American male, 18 to 22 years of age, 5-foot-6, small build, wearing a dark blue sweatshirt, gray sweat pants, and blue/gray Nike tennis shoes with a dark blue bandana over the lower portion of his face. The victim left the scene after the incident unharmed.  

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On Dec. 9 at around 12:30 p.m., another victim, also a tow truck driver, was called to the 700 block of Fargo Street to pick up a junk vehicle. The victim met suspect No. 1, described as a dark skinned male, 5-foot-10, between the ages of 17 to 25 years old, wearing a red baseball cap, black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

The victim noticed the suspect approaching him and he asked him if he was the seller of the vehicle. Suspect No. 1 told the victim that he would be doing business with his uncle. The victim states he was talking to suspect No. 1, while a second African-American male approached their location.

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Suspect No. 2 is described as a dark skinned male in his late teens or early 20s, wearing all black clothing with a well-groomed beard and goatee. As the victim made eye contact with suspect No. 2, he pulled a weapon from his waistband and demanded money. 

A third suspect walked up behind the victim and hit him on his side, causing the victim to fall to the ground. Suspect No. 3 is described as a dark skinned African-American male, 6-foot-1 with a large build, who took an undisclosed amount of money from the victim. The victim refused medical treatment and left the robbery scene in good condition. 

Tow truck drivers are advised to follow these precautions:

  • Follow your instincts—if the area that the caller is requesting you to pick up a vehicle appears unsafe, return to your place of business. 
  • Do not accept request to pick-up a vehicle from customers with a blocked telephone number. 
  • Question the caller regarding the vehicle to be picked- up.
  • Drive past the vehicle to be picked up to ensure that it is at the location specified by the caller.
  • Always request the caller’s full name—if necessary request photo identification be provided before the transaction takes place. 
  • Pay special attention to the caller if he/she is attempting to junk a vehicle that is relatively new and the deal sounds “too good to be true." 
  • Call the police if suspicious about the caller’s claim or request. 

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police Robbery Squad is investigating these robbery incidents and is asking if anyone who can provide any information pertaining to these incidents contact the squad at 412-323-7151. Callers may remain anonymous. 


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