Police identify man arrested after 2 employees, manager of local Eat‘n Park held hostage

PITTSBURGH — A man is in custody after two employees and a manager at an Eat’n Park were held hostage, Pittsburgh police said.

Larry Elkins II, 30, of Erie, is facing multiple charges after the Thursday incident.

According to police, officers were called to the 1200 block of Banksville Road for a report of shots fired.

First responders spoke to a male victim who said an unknown male, later identified as Elkins, passed by him in a parking lot and fired at least three shots.

A victim told police Elkins said “You gotta get me to West Virginia,” according to the criminal complaint.

After shots were fired, Elkins went into the Eat’n Park where he held the employees and manager hostage, police said.

He allegedly told them to give him their car keys and said, “I have to go see my kids. I don’t care if you live or die, none of you.”

Police were directed to a back office where they detained him.

The restaurant was open for normal business Thursday evening. Patrons were surprised to hear the news. One man said it seemed like something out of a movie.

“I don’t know that in a movie that it would’ve ended as well as this. I’m happy the reality worked out better,” Josh Updike said.

Eat’n Park released a statement saying:

“We commend our team members for their swift action. Their knowledge of our security procedures and calm demeanor enabled authorities to apprehend the suspect without injury. We are grateful to the police on scene for their immediate response.”

The victim identified Elkins and he was placed under arrest.

He is facing multiple charges including kidnapping, robbery, aggravated assault, discharging a firearm, terroristic threats, and DUI.

Three shell casings and a firearm were recovered from the scene.

Police are still investigating.

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