Suspected Shoplifter Jumps into Car; Injures Police Officer

A suspected shoplifter who jumped into a car injured a police officer before driving out of the parking lot at Giant Eagle’s Market District store in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood, police said. A cashier told the police officer assigned to work security detail at the grocery store near Centre and Negley avenues about a man believed to have been shoplifting, Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Alicia George said. The man was getting into his car when the officer approached him on foot. Then, the suspect began to drive away and struck the officer with an open car door, “throwing the officer to the ground,” George said. The officer, whose name was not released, suffered injuries to his hand and leg, according to George. He was taken to UPMC Mercy hospital, where he was “in good condition and receiving treatment.: Police are seeking the public’s help to identify and find the suspect involved in the incident. Officials did not provide a description of the suspect. They described the suspect’s getaway vehicle as a “newer model, maroon SUV” whose license plate ends with “1-9-3-3.” Police asked anyone with information to call detectives at 412.323.8800. Tips can remain anonymous.  [Source: Trib Live]