Foot chase in Verona leaves police searching for West Deer man suspected of retail theft

Verona police have issued an arrest warrant for a shoplifting suspect they say was last seen trying to board a boat along the Allegheny River.

Keith Hohman, 33, of West Deer is charged with retail theft, evading arrest, escape, trespassing, receiving stolen property and disorderly conduct.

At approximately 3 p.m. Thursday, Verona police responded to the Giant Eagle in the borough’s River Town Shopping Center for reports of two men stealing items from the store, according to a criminal complaint.

Police said surveillance footage shows Hohman, who has 16 prior retail theft convictions, concealing $31 worth of toiletries in his pants.

Verona police Officer Thomas Dessell detained both men outside the store, the complaint continues, but Hohman fled on foot before he could be taken into custody. Dessell fired two Taser cartridges at Hohman, one making contact, as the chase continued onto West Railroad Avenue and toward the Allegheny River, according to the complaint.

Penn Hills and Oakmont police provided assistance in setting up a perimeter, and a Penn Hills officer found Hohman attempting to gain access to a boat docked at Outboard Haven marina on Arch Street, according to police.

From there, police said a Penn Hills K-9 unit was unable to locate Hohman and the search was suspended.

Dessell declined to identify the other suspect, who was taken into custody, until charges are filed.