Arrest and medical incident statistics released during Pittsburgh’s Fourth of July celebrations

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh public safety and police officials had their hands full on Independence Day. The city’s fireworks task force responded to 89 calls and issued 62 warnings. Since the task force began operations on June 30 of this year, it has handled 124 calls for fireworks-related incidents.

On Thursday night, tens of thousands of people gathered at Point State Park, the Central Business District, the North Shore, Mount Washington and the West End for the annual Independence Day fireworks display. The crowds were well behaved. Police arrested three people and issued 13 non-traffic tickets in the Central Business District outside Point State Park.

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One arrest was made by the Juvenile Justice Service, another involved a firearms violation, and the third involved the arrest of a suspect who had an arrest warrant out for a crime.

“Our mission was to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors, and we succeeded in creating an entertaining and safe evening of celebration,” said Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt.

Pittsburgh EMS treated 12 patients, five of whom were taken to area hospitals. Most were treated for dizziness, panic attacks and heat-related symptoms. Hospitalizations included a wrist injury, a seizure, abdominal pain and several falls.

In addition, the rescue workers were busy all evening reuniting numerous separated parents and children.