A Toyota RAV4 taken while its driver was making an Amazon delivery near the University of Pittsburgh was later recovered, but police have not publicly identified a suspect. The theft was reported around 9:55 a.m. Tuesday at Forbes Avenue and Atwood Street, according to WPXI.
What is known about the theft
The driver told police he had stepped away from the RAV4 to make a delivery when someone drove off in it. WPXI reported that the vehicle was driven along Forbes Avenue toward the Cathedral of Learning. The available account does not say where or when the RAV4 was found, what condition it was in, or whether anyone has been identified or arrested.
The case has reports with both the University of Pittsburgh Police Department (26-03717) and City of Pittsburgh police (26-171184), WPXI reported. Anyone with information is asked to contact Pitt police at 412-624-2121 or city police at 412-422-6520.
A separate theft nearby
A separate vehicle theft was reported the previous night at Forbes and Oakland avenues. WPXI reported that a black 2022 Hyundai Elantra was taken around 11:10 p.m. after it had been left running and unlocked. That account differs from the known details of Tuesday’s RAV4 theft: available reporting does not say the RAV4 was left running or unlocked, and there is no information establishing a connection between the cases.
Local authority and prevention
Pitt says its officers have authority to apprehend and arrest people for illegal acts on campus and within 500 yards of University-owned or leased facilities. That general authority provides context for Pitt police’s involvement; it does not establish the precise jurisdictional basis for this particular case.
For vehicle security, Pittsburgh police advise drivers to keep vehicles locked and, when possible, park in well-lit areas visible from a home or security camera, WPXI reported. Separately, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office says its Auto Theft Prevention Unit focuses on investigating and prosecuting chop shops, auto-theft rings and insurance-fraud cases involving vehicle theft.
