Morning Roundup: Penn Hills fugitive arrested, girlfriend charged with hindering arrest

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Wednesday, July 17:

Penn Hills fugitive arrested

The Allegheny County Sheriff’s office announced the arrest of a Penn Hills man who they said has been a fugitive for nearly a year.

Police said 22-year-old Armon Thompkins has been on the run since August 2023. He has three active warrants for bond violations, an active aggravated assault warrant from Penn Hills and an active drug warrant from Connellsville.

Police said sheriff’s office detectives worked with the FBI and discovered that Thompkins had been staying at a residence on Elias Drive in Penn Hills with his girlfriend, Alaizah Howard, 21. On Wednesday, detectives executed a search warrant on the home, and found Thompkins and Howard in the basement. Both were taken into custody.

Police said the search warrant resulted in the discovery of suspected marijuana, suspected heroin and a handgun. Thompkins and Howard were transported to Allegheny County Jail and face charges of possession and possession with intent to deliver. Howard is also facing one count of hindering apprehension and Thompkins is facing an additional firearms violation.

North Side road reopens to 2-way traffic

After a 10-month reconstruction project, North Side’s Chestnut Street has reopened to two-way traffic.

The historic roadway connects the North Side to Downtown, Troy Hill and Spring Hill-City View.

The project targeted prolonged deterioration on the roadway. The street’s brick surface was restored and given modern ADA-compliant ramps, new sidewalks and improved the street’s drainage.