Police: Businesses in Carrick Shopping Center being disrupted by kids after school

PITTSBURGH — People who work in the Carrick Shopping Center tell Channel 11, the plaza is regularly being taken over by violent kids.

According to Pittsburgh police, earlier this week, they responded to the area following a brawl involving nearly 100 children believed to be students from nearby Carrick High School.

While no arrests were made that day, employees in the plaza say the kids have spit on them, vandalized their cars and even used airsoft guns to shoot at them and customers.

“Something has to be done because this is only September and it’s just getting worse,” one worker told Channel 11.

People that work in the shopping center also believe the students are hiding guns around the property.

“There was four girls, and they were on the phone with someone and said shoot him and kill him. That’s exactly what these girls are saying,” a shopping center employee told Channel 11.

Pittsburgh police say they are aware of the ongoing issue.

“We’re all continuing to work with partners, including the schools and our outreach group and anyone who would like to help us.

It’s really about showing the kids love, supporting them and getting them home safely,” said Sgt. Tiffany Costa with the Pittsburgh Police Community Engagement Office.

Pittsburgh Public Schools is also weighing in on the issue. They sent Channel 11 the following statement:

“We take responsibility for our students, their education and their safety and look to our community to serve as consistent partners in embracing students as they grow and develop into adulthood. We as a community share the responsibility of our students before and after school, and PPS still believes in the power of the village. We invite all to our village as we continue to work with our city leaders, community partners, outreach programs, citizens and City Police to mentor, support and provide guidance to our students and families in Pittsburgh. Our School Police and Carrick School Security staff are walking to the shopping center to assist City Police.”

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