Morning recap: Penn Hills fugitive arrested, girlfriend charged with hindering apprehension

Here are some of the latest news from this morning, Wednesday, July 17:

Refugee from Penn Hills arrested

The Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Penn Hills man who he said has been on the run for nearly a year.

According to police, 22-year-old Armon Thompkins has been on the run since August 2023. He has three warrants out for bail jumping, one warrant for aggravated assault from Penn Hills and one warrant for drug offenses from Connellsville.

According to police, detectives from the sheriff’s office worked with the FBI and found that Thompkins had been living with his girlfriend, 21-year-old Alaizah Howard, at a home on Elias Drive in Penn Hills. On Wednesday, detectives executed a search warrant on the home and found Thompkins and Howard in the basement. Both were taken into custody.

According to the police report, the search found suspected marijuana, heroin and a handgun. Thompkins and Howard were taken to the Allegheny County Jail and are charged with possession and possession with intent to resell. Howard is also charged with hindering apprehension and Thompkins is charged with another firearms violation.

Delays expected at the Boulevard of the Allies ramp

PennDOT issued a warning to motorists that lanes on the Boulevard of the Allies ramp to the Liberty Bridge will be narrowed Wednesday for inspection work.

If the weather is good, the work will start at 9 a.m. and last until 3 p.m.

The press release states that drivers should prepare for a change in their driving behavior and exercise caution when driving through the area.

North Side Road reopened for two-way traffic

After a 10-month reconstruction project, Chestnut Street on the North Side has reopened to two-lane traffic.

The historic street connects the north side with downtown, Troy Hill and Spring Hill-City View.

The project addressed the ongoing deterioration of the roadway. The road’s brick surface was restored and modern, ADA-compliant ramps and new sidewalks were added, and the road’s drainage was improved.