Police searching for man they say broke into Dormont man's apartment, attempted to rob him at knifepoint

Allegheny County Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man they say attempted to rob another man with a knife Sunday morning in Dormont.

The suspect has been identified as Joel Hatfield, 28, no known address.

Hatfield is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue-and-white hooded sweatshirt.

He may have a cut on his head, police said.

Hatfield is homeless, but is known to frequent the Dormont area, police said.

Dormont Police were called to the 1500 block of Kelton Avenue at about 8:45 a.m. for an attempted home invasion robbery.

Allegheny County Police said when the victim heard noises at his apartment door and went to investigate, he was confronted by Hatfield, who was armed with a knife.

Police said Hatfield forced himself into the victim’s apartment and a struggle ensued.

During the struggle, the victim struck Hatfield in the head with a pistol. The victim also fired a shot from the pistol, which missed Hatfield, police said. Hatfield then ran away, police said.

Witnesses reported that two other unidentified people were hiding outside the apartment and ran from the area with Hatfield, police said. There was no immediate description provided of those people.

Police are asking anyone who has seen Hatfield to call 911 or the Allegheny County Police Tipline at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (1-833-255-8477). Callers can remain anonymous.