Police officer hit by car during attempted arrest, suspect in custody after manhunt in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH — A police officer was hit by a car during an attempted arrest of a burglary suspect, leading to a massive manhunt across Pittsburgh’s South Hills.

PHOTOS: Large police, SWAT presence along busy road in Pittsburgh’s South Hills, South Side

Around 12:45 p.m., Pittsburgh police were following up on an investigation into an earlier burglary in Arlington and identified the suspect as 36-year-old William Skinner. He was also wanted on multiple outstanding arrest warrants.

Detectives then spotted Skinner in the 100 block of Charles Street in Knoxville, when police said he took off in a gold Chevy Blazer. Police searched the area then found the vehicle in the rear of a home in the 400 block of Althea Street.

When detectives and officers approached the vehicle, Skinner put the SUV in reverse and hit an officer, authorities said.

That officer and detectives then fired shots to try to stop him. Skinner crashed the SUV into a wall in a nearby yard and ran on foot toward Route 51.

Skinner ran to the Red White and Blue on Route 51 and robbed someone who was getting into their car with their two kids in the parking lot, according to the criminal complaint. He allegedly took cash and a credit card.

Allegheny County police said Skinner then went to a home on Cadet Street, entered through an unlocked door and stole a bike from the garage.

Pittsburgh Police Chief Larry Scirotto said someone then gave him a ride to Pittsburgh’s South Side.

Skinner was caught on the railroad tracks below P.J. McArdle Roadway.

The officer hit by the car has a severe ankle injury and a cut on the face, police said. He was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital in serious but stable condition.

Skinner was also taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Allegheny County police said after consulting with the district attorney’s office, Skinner will be charged with criminal attempted homicide, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary and fleeing and eluding.

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