PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Police are investigating after a man was stabbed multiple times on the city’s South Side over Halloween weekend.
“It’s unfortunate. You never like to see violence committed against people. I know Southside has a bit of a reputation,” said Byron Zajdel, a Southside neighbor.
Byron Zajdel’s quiet Friday evening at home took a traumatic turn. He shared Ring Doorbell footage only with Channel 11.
It captures the beginning of an argument steps away from his Sarah Street home and the violent altercation that sent two men to hospital.
“The footage I had on my camera showed a person exiting here — crossing the street and making a decision to stab another person. I’m just pretty disappointed,” said Zajdel.
Seconds later, sirens blare and police shut down the street.
Police have now charged John Kerr with criminal attempt at homicide and aggravated assault.
Police say he stabbed another man during the fight at South 21st and Sarah streets just before midnight Friday.
Investigators say it all started at Walker’s Pub. The criminal complaint states the victim left the bar with friends after the first altercation.
Thirty minutes later they came back to their cars and Kerr exited the bar to confront them with a knife.
The victim was rushed to a hospital in critical condition with stab wounds. Kerr was taken to hospital for a head injury.
Channel 11 reached out to Pittsburgh Public Safety — they say they were not alerted to any other major violent incidents or arrests in the Southside over Halloween weekend.
Byron says the situation is extremely disheartening. He and his neighbors even recently took part in a listening session with State Rep Ed Gainey and City Councilman Bruce Kraus to address the recent spike in crime.
“I just hope they do something about it. I know they’re building the police substation here, which is good news,” said Zajdel.
However, he’s worried about what may happen next.
“This isn’t the first incident that’s happened on my street with police here dealing with violent situations. So, I worry about what residents will decide to do with their feet. Are they gonna stay here or are they gonna move to a safer place?” said Zajdel.
Neighbors tell Channel 11 they hope more surveillance cameras are added as well as additional lighting to the side streets to avoid another incident like this from ever happening again.
City Councilman Bruce Kraus has also weighed in on the recent violence. He released this statement to Channel 11:
“The continued safety of South Side residents, visitors and businesses is, and will always remain, our number one priority. We recognize and appreciate the efforts of our Department of Public Safety, government administrators and our community partners working collectively to ensure a safe and vibrant South Side.”
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