A distressing scene unfolded at the OpenStreetsPGH event yesterday, as a driver breached the barricades of the car-free zone and struck two individuals, according to statements from the police and event organizers.
The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Arielle Scipione of Duquesne, is confronted with a swath of charges including aggravated assault and assault on a police officer, which upon her actions at the community event designed to encourage the reimagining of public spaces her vehicle served as an instrument of disruption and fear, Pittsburgh police have explained, according to a report from WTAE.
At approximately 11 a.m., Scipione reportedly collided with a male event patron using her vehicle’s sideview mirror at the Hamilton and North Braddock Avenues intersection. The man, although knocked to the ground, declined medical treatment, as per the police report shared by WPXI. Scipione's reckless journey didn't cease there, for, further down the course, another participant-a female cyclist—fell victim to the vehicle near Thomas Boulevard and Brushton Avenue; emergency services assessed this victim but likewise did not require hospitalization.
BikePGH, the non-profit organization responsible for hosting the OpenStreetsPGH events since their inception in 2014, expressed regret over the incident in a statement, describing it as deeply unfortunate and the first occurrence of its kind in the event's history. They also commended the rapid response by the Pittsburgh Police, the Allegheny County Sheriffs, and event safety staff in managing the situation that was immediately handled by the efficient execution of their duties.
