Morning Roundup: Man stabbed in Pittsburgh's East Hills; officials warn of scam targeting SNAP users

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Friday, Oct. 24:

Man stabbed in Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood

A man was stabbed during an altercation early Friday morning in Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood.

Public safety officials said police were dispatched to the 7900 block of Frankstown Avenue for a stabbing that stemmed from an altercation between two men.

Officers found a blood trail leading from a house and found a man with a large cut to his hand. Medics took him to the hospital in critical but stable condition.

A second victim had a small abrasion on the head and refused to be taken to the hospital, officials said.

An investigation is ongoing.

Officials warn of scam targeting SNAP users

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is warning people using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, of a scam.

Scammers are calling SNAP recipients, saying their benefits are on hold until they verify their eligibility. The scammers ask people to call and provide a PIN.

Officials said calls are coming from 1-888-239-7710, 1-888-272-8720 and 1-888-737-6551.

Department officials say they will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text, email or phone call.

Officials asked people to report any texts or calls about benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).

This comes as SNAP benefits for Pennsylvanians have been paused amid the federal government shutdown.

Child, Pittsburgh Public Schools staffer recovering after being hit by vehicle near Westinghouse

Pittsburgh Public Schools on Thursday shared a fundraiser for a student and staff member who were hit by a car last week while standing on a sidewalk near Westinghouse Academy in Pittsburgh’s Homewood West neighborhood.

A 12-year-old boy suffered traumatic injuries to his lower extremities and the adult woman was taken to the hospital in stable condition, public safety officials said.

In a social media post Thursday, the school district said both are currently recovering after multiple surgeries.

“While their path to healing will be long, their courage and resilience continue to inspire all of us across the district,” the Facebook post reads.

The district shared a link to a Go Fund Me page, which is raising money to help the pair cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and other needs. As of Thursday morning, the fundraiser had collected more than $4,000 of its $4,500 goal.

Pittsburgh police release domestic violence resource guide

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police this week released a domestic violence resource guide in honor of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The guide, which is available online, includes information about domestic violence and various resources to help victims. It also includes details about how to file a protection from abuse order.

Officials encouraged domestic violence victims using the online resource to clear their browser history after visiting the website and to use the “leave site” button in the lower left corner any time they need to immediately be redirected to Google.

No injuries reported in Windgap arson

A house was badly damaged but no one was reported injured after an arson Thursday night at a home in Pittsburgh’s Windgap neighborhood.

Public safety officials said three people escaped the blaze unharmed.

The fire occurred just after 9 p.m. at a two-story house in the 3800 block of Windgap Avenue. The fire, which city firefighters extinguished, started on the porch.

Police arrested Timothy Hamilton, 45, of Kennedy Township. He faces charges of arson, criminal mischief and recklessly endangering another person.

Online court records show Hamilton is awaiting a preliminary arraignment.

Walmart, Sam’s Club offering safe drug disposals

Some Western Pennsylvania Walmart and Sam’s Club locations are offering safe medication disposals as part of the biannual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Law enforcement agencies will be in the parking lots of select stores from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday to help people safely get rid of unwanted, unused or expired prescriptions.

Participating locations include Sam’s Club at 6211 State Route 30 in Greensburg, Sam’s Club at 200 Moraine Point Plaza in Butler, Sam’s Club at 80 Trinity Point Drive in Washington, Sam’s Club at 289 Mt. Nebo Point Drive in Pittsburgh, Walmart Supercenter at 890 E. Main Street in Ephrata and Walmart Supercenter at 180 Levittown Ctr. in Levittown.

Early closures announced at Andy Warhol, Kamin Science Center

Carnegie Museums announced The Andy Warhol Museum and Kamin Science Center will see early closures this week.

The Andy Warhol Museum will close at 5 p.m. Friday but return to regular hours Saturday.

The Kamin Science Center will close at 4 p.m. Sunday because of the Steelers home game against the Green Bay Packers. It will reopen with regular hours Monday.

Pittsburgh firefighters giving away winter coats

The Pittsburgh Firefighters Foundation will host a winter coat giveaway for kids.

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Pittsburgh Firefighters Local No. 1 union hall at 120 Flowers Ave.

Coats will be available in sizes for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Children must be present to receive coats, which will be available while supplies last.