Five Arrested in Pittsburgh Homeless Encampment Raid

Pittsburgh police conducted a raid on a homeless encampment on Grant Street, targeting drug dealers exploiting vulnerable individuals. The operation, executed by the Narcotics and Violence Prevention Unit, resulted in the arrest of five suspects, including Davidt Brown and Deidra Lomax, who were charged with narcotics violations after police seized crack cocaine and lorazepam pills. The encampment was described as a public health and fire hazard, littered with trash, drug paraphernalia, and human waste, prompting city officials to initiate cleanup efforts. Police indicated that the raid stemmed from complaints of open-air drug transactions and violence in the area. The encampment, which had existed for nearly two years, has been cleared, with remaining debris to be removed by the Department of Public Works. City officials emphasized their intention to protect vulnerable populations while targeting predatory activities.