A late-night home invasion in Pittsburgh's Elliott neighborhood ended with a young mother fighting off a masked intruder, barricading herself in a bedroom, and calling 911, according to police. Investigators have since charged an 18-year-old man in the case, which has rattled nearby residents and remains under active investigation.
Officers were called to the 100 block of Marlow Street around 10:48 p.m. Thursday after the woman told police she had gone upstairs to shower while her child slept on a couch downstairs and then heard noises inside the home, according to WTAE. The criminal complaint states she saw an unknown man wearing a black face mask run up the stairs before he allegedly tried to sexually assault her and hit her multiple times with a closed fist. Police say he then fled, and the woman barricaded herself in a bedroom and called 911.
Detectives Trace Suspect Through Video And Fingerprints
Pittsburgh police said detectives pulled surveillance video from multiple cameras in the area and matched fingerprints collected at the scene, which led them to identify Jayden Jamary Morgan, 18, of Pittsburgh, as the suspect. He was later taken into custody.
According to WPXI, Morgan is being held at the Allegheny County Jail without bail. He faces charges that include burglary, indecent assault, and simple assault, along with loitering and prowling at nighttime and harassment. The investigation has involved the Special Victims Unit, plainclothes detectives, and the crime-scene unit.
Charges, Court Filings And Ongoing Investigation
The criminal complaint reviewed by WTAE alleges Morgan struck the victim several times with a closed fist and attempted to force himself on her. Upcoming court filings will determine his arraignment dates and whether prosecutors move to add any further charges.
Police say the case is still active as detectives continue combing through additional camera footage from the neighborhood and pursuing other leads.
