A routine tour of a Pittsburgh fire station in Carrick allegedly ended with a brazen bit of grab-and-go, as police say the same man who was welcomed inside later came back and walked off with a city-issued radio.
Investigators say surveillance video shows the visitor inside the station during the tour, then later on camera taking the radio from the building before leaving.
Channel 11 investigators obtained footage
Channel 11's investigative team says it obtained surveillance images from inside the station and has been unpacking the case on air. Rick Earle, Channel 11's chief investigator, interviewed city officials about the theft, and the station says it will air the full report at 6 p.m., as reported by WPXI.
Why a stolen radio is a public-safety worry
Fire and emergency radios are the primary way crews coordinate responses, move resources and share critical updates during incidents. Public-safety communications guidance from CISA notes that losing or misusing this gear can create gaps in communication and increase the risk of impersonation or accidental interference. Even one missing radio can become an operational headache for dispatchers and crews.
Police ask witnesses to come forward
Pittsburgh police told Channel 11 investigators they are actively searching for the man seen in the surveillance footage and are asking anyone with information to contact detectives, per WPXI. Channel 11 says it will share the surveillance stills as part of its reporting and encourages viewers with tips to reach out to the department. As of the station’s latest report, investigators have not announced any arrests or filed any charges.
Legal note
The theft of city property could lead to criminal charges, and any unauthorized possession or transmission on public-safety channels carries additional legal and operational consequences. Prosecutors will determine what, if any, charges to file if a suspect is arrested, and the police investigation is ongoing.
