Woman in custody after barricading herself inside Pittsburgh apartment with child inside

PITTSBURGH — A woman is facing charges after police said she barricaded herself and her 8-year-old son inside a Spring Hill apartment for several hours Monday morning.

According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, officers were initially called to Rhine Place after reports that a woman had thrown a brick through the window of a former intimate partner who lives in the same apartment complex.

Police identified the woman as Brandy Johnson. Authorities said Johnson then returned to her apartment and refused to come outside while her 8-year-old son remained inside with her.

“It definitely heightens things,” Pittsburgh Public Safety spokeswoman Cara Cruz said. “It was helpful with the usage of the drones to see the child was probably in his bed, so it gives them a little bit more time to make a plan.”

Police said officers and SWAT remained on scene for several hours before obtaining a search warrant and entering the apartment.

“We’re just really grateful that the judge was able to sign a search warrant and they made entry into the house and everyone was extricated without incident,” Cruz said.

Authorities said the child was not hurt. Police also said Johnson’s former boyfriend suffered minor scratches caused by the brick breaking through the window, but he was not seriously injured.

Neighbors who spoke with Channel 11 said they were relieved the child was safe.

“The child is okay. We had police, fire, EMS. The drones were actively used in this incident. They were very helpful and right now we are just very grateful,” Cruz said.

Police said Johnson was taken to the Allegheny County Jail. Authorities also said she had an outstanding warrant connected to previous aggravated assault charges.

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