Pittsburgh police say they issued dozens of citations over the weekend in the city’s South Side neighborhood amid efforts to curb violence and crime in the area.
Police on Monday said they had “conducted focused enforcement to ensure public safety” along the East Carson Street entertainment district.
With assistance from the county sheriff’s office, they issued 21 traffic citations and 36 summary non-traffic citations for disorderly conduct, open containers, public drunkenness, public urination and small amounts of marijuana, Pittsburgh public safety officials said. Those citations were issued Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Officers also made two felony arrests and a misdemeanor arrest, according to police.
The effort comes as some South Side residents and business owners have voiced concerns over violence in the area, particularly on weekend nights. A man was shot and killed early July 9 at East Carson and 13th Streets. Carson City Saloon — a longtime East Carson Street business — temporarily closed in response to the violence and amid concerns from staff.
The concerns have persisted for years, business owners and local officials have said. Last year, officials responded with additional policing and parking restrictions, as well as promises to engage with the community on further solutions.
Police Chief Larry Scirotto last week said police are increasing patrols in the area and adding seven officers dedicated to the South Side entertainment district Thursdays through Sundays.
Scirotto and Mayor Ed Gainey also have called on local businesses to do their part by avoiding overcrowding and overserving alcohol. The police chief also urged people who patronize the area on weekends to “come down there with a mindset of being responsible and controlling your behavior.”
Related:
• ‘False narrative’ on South Side violence is bad for the neighborhood and business, councilman says
• Carson City Saloon owner says South Side violence an ‘absolute nightmare’
• What’s a Saturday night like on the South Side?
