Father accused of pointing gun at daughter’s mother, biting her before Amber Alert

PITTSBURGH — A man is accused of abducting his 1-year-old daughter from East Pittsburgh, sparking an Amber Alert, after getting into an argument with the baby’s mother on Thursday, investigators said.

Pennsylvania State Police issued the Amber Alert just after 5:30 p.m., after the girl was taken by her father, 20-year-old Giante Thomas. Shortly after 8 p.m., the alert was cancelled after the girl was found safe.

The incident started about 12:30 p.m. when Thomas went to the girl’s mother’s home on Bessemer Avenue. Police said Thomas and the child’s mother got into an argument over custody and he allegedly pointed a gun at her head and threatened to kill her multiple times. Thomas then bit the girl’s mother on the wrist while she was holding the girl, and he took the girl from the home, police said. He drove off in a white Jeep with the mother’s phone.

Sometime later, the SUV was located in the city’s Windgap neighborhood. A SWAT team and U.S. marshals helped state police get into a nearby home in the 3700 block of Windgap Avenue where they were able to rescue the girl safely.

The girl was taken to a hospital for observation and was reunited with her mother, police said.

“I actually don’t allow my kids outside because you never know what’s going to go on out here,” said Nachalin Ramsey who lives nearby.

Here is a map showing where the girl was rescued:

Three people, including Thomas, were taken in custody. Thomas faces 10 charges, including burglary, terroristic threats, simple assault and endangering the welfare of a child. Police said Thomas also had several outstanding warrants.

The other two people who were arrested have not been identified.

State police said it was concerning that Thomas reportedly had a gun, and they admitted there was a delay in getting the Amber Alert out to the general public. It’s unclear what caused the delay. State police officials said they have launched an internal investigation.

Cox Media Group