A routine foot patrol turned violent Tuesday evening after, Verona Police say, a man tried to pull a gun on police when they attempted to arrest him.
According to Verona Police Chief Thomas Dessell, officers were “conducting a proactive foot patrol” on the 400 block of School Street just before 5:30 p.m. when they reportedly observed Jeremiah Yates, 34, of Braddock and Dontae Devero, 34, of McKeesport drinking alcohol and using drugs inside a parked car.
Dessell said that when officers attempted to take Devero into custody, he fought officers. During the fight, Devero attempted to draw a gun from his jacket to use against the officers, Dessell said. Officers wrestled the gun from Devero and later found its serial number had been scratched off.
Police found that Devero is currently on federal parole out of Florida for prior gun and drug charges, Dessell said.
When officers attempted to take Yates into custody, he also resisted arrest but was ultimately detained, according to police.
Both men are facing multiple charges, including resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and prohibited acts. Devero is facing additional felony charges, including carrying a firearm without a license and tampering with the gun’s serial number.
Both are being held at Allegheny County Jail. Yates’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 12. Devero’s preliminary hearing has not yet been scheduled.
