Deputies arrest Pittsburgh man wanted in connection with Wilkinsburg shooting

Police in Allegheny County tracked a man accused in a shooting last week to his workplace on Tuesday, where they surrounded his vehicle and, after a brief scuffle, took him into custody, authorities said.

Montrez Blanks, 32, of Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood, was wanted in connection with a Dec. 6 shooting in Wilkinsburg that left a 54-year-old man in critical condition, according to Allegheny County Police, who issued a warrant for his arrest Friday.

The shooting happened about 3:30 a.m. in an apartment on Wood Street, according to police.

Sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday morning went to the Auto Zone on Penn Avenue where they believed Blanks worked, authorities said.

The business is about a half-mile walk to the block of Wood Street where 54-year-old man was shot.

When deputies arrived at the shop, Blanks was out on a delivery, police said. When he returned, they surrounded his vehicle and arrested him “after a brief struggle.”

Authorities said they found a .38-caliber revolver loaded with two rounds in Blanks’s coat pocket.

Blanks is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated assault and firearms violations related to the Dec. 6. Police indicated he will also face firearms charges related to the revolver found in his pocket Tuesday during his arrest.