Officers from the Downtown Public Safety Center were called into action yesterday evening in what ended as a gun arrest amidst the hustle and bustle of Pittsburgh's Central Business District. According to a report released by the Public Safety Department, it was approximately 6 p.m. on September 3 when law enforcement responded to a parking complaint on the 500 block of Penn Avenue.
Upon their arrival, they encountered a man who was loudly reporting that an unknown male had threatened him with a gun. He pointed out the suspect, identified as Tymozh Toles, an 18-year-old from Pittsburgh, as he walked away down Penn Ave. A second witness corroborated his account of events, giving further validity to the claims.
The officer, now in pursuit, followed Toles as he made his way to Sixth St. and onto Fort Duquesne Blvd. There, the officer, attempting to resolve the situation, issued verbal commands to Toles to engage his attention. Rather than complying with the directive to place his hands on his head, Toles fled, initiating a brief on-foot chase. The Public Safety Department's statement outlined that Toles ultimately surrendered, lying on the ground. Officers apprehended him and placed him into custody without further incident.
During the interaction, Toles admitted to possessing a gun in his backpack. A subsequent search revealed not only the loaded gun but also an additional firearm. This one had been reported as stolen from Lower Burrell, PA. Facing multiple charges, including Carrying a Firearm Without a License and Receiving Stolen Property, Toles was booked in the Allegheny County Jail. Simple Assault and Recklessly Endangering Another Person are also among the charges he faces after yesterday’s episode.
