After being canceled due to snowy weather for several months, the Carrick Overbrook Block Watch meeting resumed for the first time this year on April 7.
The evening’s guest speaker was Kelly Henretty, an investigator with Pittsburgh’s Office of Municipal Investigations. She told the audience her office looks into complaints of misconduct against police officers and other city employees.
“If any of you have complaints about any city worker, feel free to call my office,” she said. “Hopefully you don’t need to, but if you do, you have someone to call.”
The office has 12 investigators—about half are police officers—and each handles roughly 20 cases. Complaints have risen, Henretty said, and the office is hiring to keep up. While investigators gather facts, they do not recommend discipline, she added.
Henretty, a Carrick resident, said changes are under way under Mayor Bill Peduto, including a new manager for her office. “We’re trying to become more involved in the community and help all of you,” she said.
Crime-prevention Officer Christine Luffey then detailed several recent cases:
- Meredith Street, 300 block: Police seized $14,000 in cash, a gun, ammunition, marijuana, cocaine and drug-sale paraphernalia.
- Westmont Avenue, 1900 block: Officers found crack cocaine, weapons, nearly $3,000, police scanners and other items; Jordan Davis, 23, and Reginald Dawson, 48, were arrested and charged—including endangering children who were present.
- BP station, 1927 Brownsville Road: Four males, ages 16-18, stole nearly $600 while armed; canine officers arrested them, and two suspects were bitten, KDKA reported.
- Boulevard Motor Mart, 2230 Saw Mill Run Road: After buying a car for $4,400, a man returned with his brother; the brother stole cash while the buyer test-drove a second car.
“These are victories for the good guys,” Luffey said, praising residents for sharing tips.
Attendees reported other problems: broken windows at the closed St. Basil’s School, vandalized mailboxes, and a rock thrown through a refugee’s apartment window. Luffey urged prompt reporting so police can add patrols and launch “quality-of-life” details.
Motorized dirt bikes also drew complaints. Last year riders drove ATVs over graves in Birmingham Cemetery, Luffey said. Alex Pazuchanics, legislative director for state Rep. Erin Molchany, said the representative is drafting a bill to require dirt-bike registration—now mandated only for vehicles with three or more wheels.
Residents also questioned the number of halfway and three-quarter houses opening in the neighborhood. Dan Barrett, community relations manager for City Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak, noted the city now has a director of building inspection to address such concerns.
John Rudiak of the Carrick Community Council announced:
- Free South Hills Legal Clinic advice, first Wednesday monthly, 6–8 p.m. at Stewart Avenue Lutheran Church (412-355-6776 for appointments).
- A litter cleanup Friday, April 25, starting at 4:30–5 p.m. behind Carrick Shopping Center.
- Free wood chips from tree removal along Becks Run Road, available behind the Overbrook Fire Hall at Route 51 and Maytide Street.
The next Carrick Overbrook Block Watch meeting is set for Monday, May 5, at 7 p.m.
