Pittsburgh police are conducting an investigation following an attempted sexual assault in the neighborhood of Shadyside, with the distressing event stirring local safety concerns. According to the Pittsburgh Public Safety Blotter, the incident took place in the 5400 block of Fifth Avenue. It was there a woman returned to her apartment around 6 p.m. on August 20 and by 10 p.m., she believed someone had followed her into her residence.
The victim described the intruder as a heavyset, naked white male about 30 years old with short dark hair, he was carrying a small knife and threatened her to remain silent promising not to harm her. She managed to distract the assailant, locking herself in the bathroom to call 9-1-1. Zone 4 officers responded swiftly to the emergency, reaching the scene to begin their inquiry into these alarming circumstances.
As the search for the assailant continues, detectives from the Special Victims Unit and the Crime Scene Unit are collaborating, collecting and processing evidence in the hope of a breakthrough. The community has been asked to step forward with any potentially insightful information – those who may know something are encouraged to contact SVU detectives at (412) 323-7141.
