Bethel Park man shot, killed while riding bike in Bloomfield; Suspect arrested

PITTSBURGH — A man who was shot in Bloomfield Sunday and later died has been identified, and a suspect has been arrested.

The victim was identified as Alexander Yerkey, 26, of Bethel Park.

Police arrested Lukas Kislak, 33, of Braddock, and charged him with criminal homicide.

Pittsburgh police say they were called to the area of Corday Way and Pearl Street at around 2:35 p.m. for multiple ShotSpotter alerts.

Yerkey was shot while riding a bike, according to the complaint. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died.

A witness told police they “saw the victim ride past…on a bike…then made a right onto Pearl Street.”

The witness “heard yelling, then a gunshot.” They said they then went around the corner and “saw the gunman walking away” and the “victim on the ground,” according to the complaint.

Police took Kislak into custody less than half a mile away on Penn Avenue. They say he had a gun at the time.

In addition to homicide, Kislak is charged with discharging a firearm into an occupied structure, firearm not to be carried without a license and reckless endangerment.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 12.

On Tuesday afternoon, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey released the following statement following Yerkey’s death:

“Pittsburgh, please join me in prayer for the family and friends of Alex Yerkey, whose life was taken in a senseless act of gun violence. Alex was a kind, gentle, and thoughtful person who was passionate about making Pittsburgh a better place for everyone.

“He left a lasting impression during his time as both an intern and a consultant for the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure, and today we are grieving this loss while also feeling gratitude for having known him. The city is working to provide help and support to our colleagues in DOMI as they process this tragic loss of life.”

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