Police arrest suspect in four Pittsburgh-area armed robberies

ALLEGHENY COUNTY — Police say an arrest has been made in connection with four separate armed robberies throughout Allegheny County, including two where someone was shot.

32-year-old Eric Jones of Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood, was identified as the person responsible for all four robberies as a result of collaborative effort.

According to a criminal complaint, Jones’ robbing spree began on March 6 at Fox’s Pizza Den in Oakmont. Police said Jones made off with cash after shooting the owner, 34-year-old Greg Scampone.

Scampone put up a fight and was critically injured in the exchange. He was shot six times.

The second robbery happened at the Sunoco at 280 Hulton Road in Penn Hills on March 10. The robbery happened at 10:50 a.m. and the suspect walked away with cash and cigarettes.

Then, Tuesday this week, the suspect fired a pistol while robbing the Family Dollar at 8184 Frankstown Ave in Homewood. From there, the suspect went to Edgewood Avenue Express in Edgewood and shot at the owner of the store, grazing him with a single bullet before the gun jammed and he was chased out of the store.

The 11 News spoke to the owner of Edgewood Avenue Express, Emmanuel Ugobeze, who says he’s grateful to be alive after being shot just four days ago. He says he’s relieved that the man responsible is behind bars.

“Thank goodness his bullet didn’t pierce my stomach,” said Ugobeze. “If it did, I would not be standing talking to you right now.”

According to a criminal complaint, Jones entered the convenience store with a gun demanding money, and when Ugobeze told him to leave, he opened fire.

Jones was arrested earlier Saturday in the city’s Hill District.

“Very, very relieved,” said Ugobeze. “Not just for me, but for other businesses.”

Jones is being charged with multiple offenses including all four robberies, aggravated assault, criminal attempt homicide, recklessly endangering another, theft, and firearms violations.

Owner grazed by bullet during attempted robbery at Edgewood convenience store

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