PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A Shaler man accused of killing his girlfriend and putting her body in a freezer he buried in his backyard had his charges reduced during a court hearing Thursday.

George Biegenwald, 57, will stand trial on charges he assaulted a woman who he partied with while the body of another woman was in a freezer that ended up buried in his yard.

It’s the latest in a history of court actions involving Biegenwald and women, some of whom he met through an online dating site.

That homicide case has yet to go before a judge, and when it does, the defense will claim that it was accidental and self-defense.

Biegenwald would not answer reporters’ questions about that Thursday.

In court, his lawyer got an aggravated assault charge involving another woman reduced to simple assault and reckless endangerment and waived the case to court. After the hearing, his lawyer claimed the murder case would be vigorously defended.

A criminal complaint in the murder case says he claimed it took him three days to dig a grave for the body of his girlfriend, 50-year-old Donna See of McKeesport, in his backyard.

That’s where she ended up after a fight during which he claimed she jumped on his back, hitting him with a back massage and that she fell hitting her head on a dresser.

“It was accidental/self-defense,” said defense attorney Phil DiLucente. “I say that for a reason that I can’t get into now, but certainly at the preliminary hearing it will be understood.”

The woman allegedly assaulted in the case at issue today, even after See’s body was put in a freezer, is part of a history that’s made its way through the court system.

In 2011, still another woman filed a protection from abuse claim against Biegenwald.

In that case, the woman claimed he got upset with her for looking at a computer and started yelling punching and kicking her repeatedly for two days.

DiLucente represented Biegenwald in that case, too. Biegenwald got probation.

In the homicide case, his lawyer says the issue is the way he reacted to the result of the fight.

KDKA’s Harold Hayes: “So, is he claiming that the burial is more panic than anything else?”

DiLucente: “Look, he’s not claiming anything at this juncture, but, I can tell you, someone who’s not used to having someone that had an accidental/self-defense death reacts to it differently.”

The preliminary hearing in the homicide case is scheduled for next week.

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The rain came heavy and in a very short period of time Wednesday in parts of the Pittsburgh area, prompting flood warnings and causing some property damage.

More than two inches of rain fell in less than an hour. Basements were flooded, cars were stuck in rising water and fears were rekindled from the many floods of the past.

Rush hour traffic was halted due to rising waters in the flood-prone Route 8 corridor in Etna and Shaler Township on Wednesday night.

Heavy rain shut down parts of the road for hours, and a rockslide shut down part of Route 28 when a car was hit. Fortunately, there were no injuries.

However, it did raise the fears of floods past.

“The rain just kept coming. First, it was raining kind of sideways with the wind, and then it just kept coming straight down and t rained for a good half hour,” said Bonnie Campbell of Sharpsburg.

Glen Avenue in Shaler flooded, and a ball field was washed away.

Watch the latest forecast below:

Erin Santiago took cell phone video as she watched cars get stuck in the water.

“The car was driving down the street and it got stuck,” said Santiago of one of the vehicles. “I bet it freaked out the person driving.”

The Little Pine Creek was handling all the water it could, but it didn’t stop another flood at the Perman Funeral Home in Shaler.

It gets flooded almost every year. This time they were lucky because there was only about five inches of water in their basement. But it’s more than frustrating.

“The first flood was May 1986. We had eight and a half feet of water,” said Frank Perman, the owner. “[In] 2004, we got hit by Ivan. We had four and a half feet of water in here. Every time I hear from the DEP or the state or the local municipality, they say it’s fixed and here’s what we get.”

Perman joined the “KDKA Morning News” with Larry Richert and John Shumway and talked about the flooding that impacted the area.

“Water was bubbling up through the drains in the garage where we have our furnaces and hot water heater,” Perman said.

Perman added that during Ivan he had, “four-and-a-half feet of water, in the building.” With this storm, they only had four or five inches.

He says the flooding wasn’t devastating but more of an annoyance.

There were also reports of flooding in other parts of the North Hills, like on McKnight Road

Also, on Twitter, Allegheny County said Nelson Road in Ross Township had to be closed due to a rockslide.

On Thursday, KDKA Chief Meteorologist Jeff Verszyla says there could be a leftover shower early and then temperatures will turn cooler with lingering clouds.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on the weather conditions.

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Wednesday night’s heavy rains created lots of problems.

In Shaler Township, drivers are still dealing with flooded streets, while residents are cleaning out their flooded basements.

“It gets worse every year,” said Brian Trozzo, who’s lived in Shaler for 15 years. ”I’ve been through bad storms when I’ve gotten nothing in years’ past. The last year, it has gotten worse and worse.”

Trozzo says every time there is a heavy rainfall, his basement floods. He believes it’s not the groundwater that gets inside his basement – it’s sewer water.

“It all comes up through the sewer line,” said Trozza. “The groundwater is not an issue. It’s the sewer lines are being flooded with groundwater, because they’re outdated, it’s not a sealed system.”

“I’m disappointed,” said Nikki Trozzo, as she moved items around in her basement. “I mean, like this is ridiculous, no one should have to go through this several times. All of our things are ruined.”

Shaler Township Manager Tim Rogers says this part of Shaler, where the Trozzos live, is a flood plain.

Rogers said the sewer system is relatively new, but when there is this much water, this quickly, flood plains will flood. More than two inches of rain fell in Shaler Township in less than an hour Wednesday afternoon.

Trozzo and his wife will spend the day cleaning their basement. They shared pictures with KDKA showing water bubbling up through a pipe in their basement and water on the basement floor.

The televisions the couple kept in the basement are ruined, and a recently-started drywall project will have to be redone.

“Everything in the basement is ruined, because it’s all sewage water,” said Brian Trozzo. “So, you have to try to remove anything you can and then scrub and try to get rid of any bacteria buildup that you can.”

Along State Route 8 in Shaler, there was still standing water in the street, a day after the flash flooding. Drivers were forced to use one lane instead of two.

SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA/AP) – A 6-year-old girl is dead after allegedly being struck by a vehicle driven by a Millvale man who is facing homicide by vehicle and driving under the influence charges among several other serious charges.

The incident happened Saturday night around 10:30 p.m. on Locust Ridge Drive in Shaler, when police say 20-year-old Travis Richard Grayson came around a bend, lost control of his vehicle and struck the girl and her mother in a driveway.

“I came running to the door and all I heard was, ‘my little girl, my little girl!'” said witness Judy Templin Williams.

The girl, Ava Campbell, died several hours later at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Ava was in driveway with her mother Amber and her sister, when Grayson’s car came barreling down the street. He was going 30 miles per hour over the speed limit.

“he indicated to our detective that he had consumed alcoholic beverages during the day and evening yesterday and also had smoked some marijuana,” said Shaler Police Lt. Sean Frank.

Grayson is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, driving under the influence and other counts.

According to the criminal complaint, he told police he had had 10 beers and smoked marijuana before the crash and “was driving like a stupid idiot.”

Grayson was in custody and court records didn’t list a lawyer.

A funeral fund has been set up for Ava Campbell.

You can make donations at the Allegheny Valley Bank at 2000 Mt. Troy Rd. in Troy Hill in care of Dave and Amber Campbell.

Stay with KDKA for much more on this developing story.

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(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — The Shaler Township community is devastated after an accident over the weekend claimed the life of a little girl when a driver, who was believed to be under the influence, hit her and her mother.

Ava Campbell, 6, was standing in the driveway of a home on Locust Ridge Drive around 10:30 p.m. Saturday with her mom and sister when police say 20-year-old Travis Grayson, of Millvale, lost control of his 2004 Ford Mustang. He came around a bend and struck the child.

“It was just fate right then and there. She came back from a birthday party. She had those little glowy sticks all over her,” witness Judy Templin Williams said.

Police say Grayson was going 30 miles over the posted speed limit of 25.

“He indicated to the detective that he consumed alcoholic beverages during the day and evening yesterday and smoked marijuana,” Lt. Sean Frank, with Shaler Twp. Police, said.

Grayson told detectives he consumed 10 beers while watching football.

Campbell was a first grader at Marzolf Primary School in Shaler.

The school district issued this statement:

“The entire Shaler Area School District community is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ava Campbell this past weekend. Ava was a happy, fun-loving first-grader who lit up any room she entered, and we extend our condolences to her family as we mourn this tremendous loss together. Our District Crisis Team has been activated, and we will have additional counseling services available to staff and students beginning Monday morning.”

Her mother posted this message on Facebook Sunday night:

“I can’t think of anything else but my baby. She was literally taken from my hand. We were holding hands when the car struck and separated us…. What I wouldn’t give to trade places. What I wouldn’t give for one more hug, kiss, I love you. What I wouldn’t give for one more time hearing mommy.”

Grayson is in jail and faces multiple charges including vehicular homicide and driving under the influence.

Judge Robert Dzvonick weighs in on the case:

Multiple funds have been set up to help the family with funeral expenses. If you would like to help, donations can be made at the Allegheny Valley Bank at 2000 Mt. Troy Rd. in Troy Hill in care of Dave and Amber Campbell.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A one-vehicle crash brought down a transformer and wires in Shaler Township this afternoon.

Police say it happened around 2 p.m. on Route 8 between Glenshaw Crossing and Butler Plank Road near the GetGo.

According to Shaler Police, the car slammed into a utility pole causing the wires and transformer to crash to the ground.

There’s no word yet on the cause of the crash.

Police say the road is closed indefinitely while they investigate and clear the scene.

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

The driver was taken to the hospital.

Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — The parents of little girl killed by a suspected drunk driver in a front yard in Shaler Township last month spoke to the community Tuesday to thank them for their support through a very difficult time.

In these tragic times, Dave and Amber Campbell decided to speak out.

“In these times of grieving, we will console one another, we will lean on one another and we will lend a shoulder to cry on to one another,” said Dave Campbell, the victim’s dad.

“In these times of grief and these times of healing, we ask ourselves why. Why did this happen to such a beautiful little angel?” said Amber, the victim’s mother.

The why, we will never know, but now her parents are taking on the difficult issue.

“My suggestion is that we talk to our local legislators and ask them what we can do,” said Amber. “What we can change so no other family or community has to endure this pain and suffering ever again.”

It is message Amber hopes the community takes seriously.

Ava Campbell, 6, and her mother were leaving a play date on Sept. 26 when they were struck by a car that police say was being driven by 20-year-old Travis Grayson of Millvale.

They were standing in the driveway holding hands when police say Grayson lost control. Ava died a few hours later after being rushed to Children’s Hospital.

Police say Grayson admitted he smoked marijuana and drank 10 beers before getting in the car that night. Grayson had been cited three times before for underage drinking.

“It’s just heartbreaking. I can’t imagine how you would even go on every day after losing a child,” said Nikki Ridgeway, a family friend of the Campbells.

Ava’s friends say her personality lit up a room.

“She was kind and nice to me. Every time I saw her she would say hello to me,” said Alexis Ridgeway.

“She has left us signs and she will be watching over us,” Ava’s father added.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Police say a family disturbance sent police and the North Hills Special Response Team to Shaler Township Saturday morning, shutting down a neighborhood for several hours.

It all started around 9:15 a.m. on Rosebriar Avenue.

According to Shaler Police, a father called for help after getting injured in a dispute with his daughter.

“We were just called by the father, and he said that she wasn’t responding and he’s had similar situations with her in the past when they lived in another area,” said Lt. Sean Frank, of Shaler Township Police.

Police responded to the scene and tried to contact the 35-year-old woman who was inside the home with her young son.

“When we arrived we met him outside, he said there was a problem with his daughter,” said Lt. Frank. “She was inside the house with her 4-year-old son and didn’t answer the phone or door.”

After repeated attempts, police say she did not respond.

“She cooperated, but it was slow. She said she was scared of all the police units outside,” Lt. Frank said.

That’s when they called in the special response team and the situation was brought under control.

“Negotiators from both Shaler and the North Hills team continued to try to make contact with the mother and after several attempts, probably longer than 45 minutes she did finally answer the phone and they were able to negotiate with a safe conclusion to this,” said Lt. Frank.

The woman’s father said his injury was minor.

Police say criminal charges are pending against the woman and she will be evaluated.

Both she and her son were being evaluated at a local hospital as a precaution, but neither were hurt.

The road where it happened has since been reopened.

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A suspected drunk driver that hit and killed a 6-year-old girl appeared in court Friday morning.

Travis Grayson, 20, waived a preliminary hearing and will now head to trial.

Travis Grayson waives right to preliminary hearing. Heads to court in girl’s death

— Harold Hayes (@hhayes_harold) November 6, 2015

The parents of 6-year-old Ava Campbell left the courtroom saying nothing, but inside the courtroom they paid very close attention to Grayson as he stood in his jail uniform before a judge. It was their first time seeing him in person after the crash that killed their daughter.

“At this point, Travis, his heart goes out to the Campbell family,” defense attorney Michael Sherman said, “and he didn’t want to put them through any more grief by going through a preliminary hearing, so we’re going to just move to the next process in the case.”

Ava Campbell was struck and killed when Grayson was behind the wheel. Investigators say Grayson admitted to drinking ten beers and smoking marijuana before driving twice the speed limit. He was cited for underage drinking three times before that. The charges were either dropped or reduced.

“We will always remember Ava for the free-spirited, energetic little girl who just wanted to have fun and make someone smile,” Ava’s father, Dave Campbell, said at a news conference in October, calling for changes in DUI laws so that kind of circumstance won’t affect another family like the Campbells.

Grayson faces formal arraignment and is likely to go to trial next year on charges including homicide by vehicle and driving under the influence.

Stay With KDKA.com For More Details

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Route 8 in Shaler Township had to be closed in both directions Monday night following an accident that sent two people to the hospital.

It happened around 10:20 p.m. along Route 8 at E. Pennview Street, in front of the McDonald’s.

One of the drivers was trapped in their car and had to be extricated by Fire and EMS crews.

Both drivers involved in the crash were taken to the hospital for treatment. Nobody else was in either of the vehicles involved.

The Allegheny County Police Homicide-Accident Investigation Unit is helping Shaler Police with the investigation into how this crash happened.

Route 8 was closed between Saxonburg Boulevard and Spencer Lane for around three hours.

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — State police say the man wanted for questioning in a fire and alleged domestic dispute in Shaler Township overnight has died.

According to police, 46-year-old William James shot and killed himself in his vehicle in Mercer County following a police pursuit Tuesday morning.

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

The fire started much earlier, around 5:45 a.m., in the 400-block of Heights Drive in Shaler. Flames were reportedly showing through the roof when crews got on scene. Firefighters faced heavy smoke but were able to bring the blaze under control in about 15 minutes.

“We had some heavy smoke and steam, because of temps,” said Jim Skalos, chief of the Cherry City Volunteer Fire Department, “but the bulk of the fire was at the front door.”

Police say they received a call from a local hospital that a woman who lives at the home where the fire happened, may have been assaulted.

Elizabeth Gentile lives across the street. She called 911 when she saw her neighbor’s house in flames.

“When I came out, my neighbor was out; she was screaming,” said Gentile. “There were flames at the front door, the door was open, and I just called 911.”

Gentile said police told her the couple who lives in the house, who she called Bill and Chris, had a domestic dispute overnight.

“The police said there was a domestic over there overnight, and we didn’t hear anything, naturally,” she said. “They’ve been our neighbors for years, great people. We love them. I just hope everything is okay.”

The Cherry City Fire Department chief says the fire originated at the front door and is under investigation.

Firefighters searched the home after putting out the fire. No one was inside and no injuries were reported.

Police then issued a “be on the lookout” alert for James in connection to the fire and alleged assault.

(Photo Courtesy: Shaler Township Police)

According to Shaler Township Police, James was driving a dark-colored 2016 Subaru Legacy.

“Just yesterday, we said, ‘Hello, how ya doing?’ He said everything was fine,” said Gentile.

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If you have any information on the case, you’re asked to call police.

SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A 21-year-old man was killed in a car crash in Shaler Township late Saturday night.

Douglas P. Charlton, of Hampton Township, was pronounced dead at the scene of the fatal crash in the 800-block of Butler Street. According to police, it appeared that Charlton had lost control of his car and then crashed into an embankment.

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Shaler Township Police say emergency crews responded to the scene around 11:22 p.m.

No one else was in the car with Charlton, and no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

SHALER TWP. (KDKA) – Police say they have arrested the man accused of robbing a Shaler Township GetGo at gunpoint.

Officers say it happened Monday just before 1 p.m. on Mount Royal Boulevard near Wiljohn Street. The suspect reportedly came into the store and made a purchase, walked out, and returned a few minutes later with a handgun.

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He ordered the employee to give him everything in the register and fled in a blue Ford four-door car with a sun roof.

Police identify the suspect as 29-year-old Adam Voelker. He turned himself into authorities Monday night.

He is facing charges of robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and possessing instruments of crime.

SHALER (KDKA) – A massive water main break created a geyser along a street in Shaler Township Wednesday afternoon, flooding at least one basement and shutting off water to about 30 homes.

According to officials, the break happened along Kenneth Drive around 1 p.m. And it turns out, the same street had a water main break just two days ago.

“I looked out my front window and seen that it was shooting up, just about as high as the trees,” said Chad Grande, a neighbor.

While Grande snapped pictures of the water display, he realized it was Déjà vu.

“I’m thinking right away, we are without water again,” said Grande. “This happened the other night, two nights ago. And now it just happened again.”

All the faucets are dry on the street. Grande scrambled to get whatever water he could before his pipes went dry.

“Can’t do nothing without water, can’t shower, can’t flush the toilets, everything,” said Grande.

Hampton Township and Shaler Township water crews worked through the afternoon, digging up the road and fixing the pipe.

Repairs were finished around 5 p.m., and water service was expected to be restored to everyone soon afterward.

It’s that time of year through when we hit the freeze/thaw cycle. It causes pipes to burst, and flooding occurs.

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ROSS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Two men in their 60’s are in police custody after robbing a First Niagara Bank branch in Ross Township at gunpoint Wednesday afternoon.

The robbery happened just before 3 p.m. at the bank on McKnight Road.

Ross Township Police are now identifying the suspects as 64-year-old Albert Clemons and 61-year-old Douglas Silva, both of the North Side.

Det. Brian Kohlhepp, of the Ross Township Police, said, “There were customers and employees in the bank at the time, but no one was hurt and no shots were fired.”

Albert Clemons (Photos Courtesy: Ross Township Police)

Det. Kohlhepp said there were witnesses who saw the two suspects escape in a white Toyota Camry.

Police in Shaler Township quickly spotted the car and tried to stop it, but the vehicle kept going. The car pulled into the parking lot of a VFW Post on Wetzel Road.

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One suspect was arrested while still in the car. The second jumped out, carrying the bank money, and ran down a hillside behind the VFW hall.

Post Commander John Stack said as the suspect was trying to make his getaway, money was blowing all over the hillside.

Douglas Silva (Photos Courtesy: Ross Township Police)

The second suspect was taken into custody after being found behind a tree. Police scoured the hillside retrieving as much of the stolen cash as they could find.

Police also recovered the two handguns used in the robbery.

Both are facing robbery and weapons charges, but Silva is also facing charges related to the chase.

SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) – A man is facing charges after an off-duty deputy sheriff prevented a potentially violent road rage incident.

According to police, the incident happened around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday along Route 8 in Shaler Township.

Off-duty at the time, Allegheny County Sheriff’s Deputy Randy Grossman observed a gold SUV being driven by Joseph Riccelli, 35, of Allison Park, tailing another vehicle. At one point, Riccelli passed the vehicle and slammed on his brakes.

He then allegedly sped up and slammed on his brakes several times. At one point, Riccelli leaned out his driver’s side window to yell at the other driver.

“He then went into oncoming traffic, the southbound lane of Route 8 and passed this vehicle, got in front of him, slammed his brakes on and continued screaming out of the window, slamming his brakes on,” said Grossman.

Riccelli says he was agitated because the driver of the other vehicle, a jeep, cut him off.

Eventually, the vehicles came to a stop at a red light at the intersection of Route 8 and Butler Plank Road. Riccelli got out of his vehicle, yelled at the other driver again and tried to open the passenger’s side door.

“As we approached the next intersection, there was a red light,” said Grossman. “The first vehicle pulled into the left lane to make a left-hand turn. The second vehicle stopped next to him. The gentleman jumped out. Attempted to get into his vehicle.”

At that time, Riccelli began beating the vehicle with a black and silver object, which turned out to be a baton.

“He was trying to assault the gentleman. At least assault him, if not more,” Grossman said.

At that time, the Grossman got out of his vehicle, drew his weapon and ordered Riccelli to drop the baton. Riccelli complied and was taken into custody.

A search uncovered 22 doses of Oxycodone Hydrochloride. It was later determined Riccelli was driving with a suspended license for a previous DUI conviction.

He is now being held in the Allegheny County Jail and is facing a list of charges including, aggravated assault, disorderly conduct, possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving and reckless endangerment.

Meanwhile, Grossman has a message for anyone who might see a similar incident on the roadway.

“If you’re another motorist and you see something like this happening, call 911 for them ’cause you don’t know what they’re going through,” says Grossman. “What kind of fear or their inability to call 911.”

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — It’s been seven months since 6-year-old Ava Campbell was hit by a car and killed right in front of her home in Shaler.

Police say Travis Grayson is the man responsible. Investigators say the 21-year-old admitted to drinking ten beers and smoking marijuana before driving twice the speed limit.

“It’s just a very sad situation and I feel really sad for the family, especially the parents and I just hope it turns out overall the best for everybody,” said Nancy Guzy, who lives near the victim’s family.

Neighbors said they still remember that tragic day in September of last year. Some are reliving the nightmare this week.

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On Thursday, Grayson was released from jail, free on bond. That same day, someone posted pictures of Ava all around Grayson’s home in Millvale.

“A lot of people are sad and maybe angry about this, but he’s home, he’s can’t leave, he’s being monitored and I think that its better to let him feed himself at home versus let him be fed in our jails,” said Guzy.

A judge has ordered Grayson to remain at home, on electronic monitoring until his trial begins next month. He is facing a number of charges.

Prior to the crash that killed Ava Campbell, Grayson had been cited for underage drinking three times. The charges were either dropped or reduced.

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Kids will be kids, and this time of year, it’s tough to keep them off of their bikes.

Three North Hills police departments have been working together for nearly a decade to make sure kids are safe on their bikes, and safe on the streets.

Lt. Sean Frank explained the importance of bike safety.

“With all the bike lanes and the bike trails, it is becoming very popular. Parents are out there riding their bikes and they are encouraging their kids to be safe while they are doing it, and that’s part of why we are here today. We are dealing with the elements of the weather. We have over 50 bikers who have showed up even though we are dealing with an on and off rain,” he said.

Parents appreciate the added security of knowing that their children are taught the right way to ride.

“They had to go through a little riding course, learning about stop signs and all the safety things and they had a thing put on for checking out your bicycle to see if everything is okay,” said Jeff Zillweger.

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Mechanics took the time to check the operation of the bikes after a long winter in storage. Organizers also fit children for free helmets.

Pennsylvania state law says kids have to protect their heads when they ride.

“Any child under 12 must have a helmet on when they are riding their bikes, and we encourage kids all the way up to adults to wear a helmet when they are riding their bicycle,” Lt. Frank said.

A road obstacle course was also set up for the kids to demonstrate how well they know the rules of the road and how to properly control the speed as they ride.

“This event over the years has grown in popularity and with all the safety initiatives that are out there today, we are out here trying to make sure kids are safe on their bikes,” Lt. Frank said.

Officers from Shaler Township, Etna and Millvale participated this year along with assistance from Shaler EMS.

SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Police in Shaler Township are looking for two masked gunmen who held up a local McDonald’s and used pepper spray on the employees.

The robbery happened around 5 a.m. last Sunday at the restaurant on Route 8.

According to Shaler Township Police, both suspects had black semi-automatic handguns.

Police say the gunmen physically grabbed the employees who were in the restaurant at the time of the incident and sprayed them with pepper spray.

The suspects were wearing dark clothing, hoodies and gloves. Their faces were covered by surgical masks. They got away on foot behind a neighboring business.

The same group is suspected in at least five other robberies.

“If anyone recognizes their images, their mannerisms, if they could please call 911, we are working with other agencies that may have had similar robberies occur,” said Lt. Sean Frank with Shaler Twp. Police. “Whenever you have violent robbery like this where they have handguns it’s concerning to us and that’s why we’d like to have the public’s help.”

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SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A two-alarm fire sent emergency crews to an automotive business in Shaler Township late Friday night.

According to emergency dispatchers, the fire broke out after 10 p.m. at GIS Automotive along Route 8.

The Allegheny County Fire Marshal was called to the scene and investigated. The battery in a hot rod that was in the shop sparked the fire.

Shaler Township Police say all six volunteer fire departments in Shaler, plus some other surrounding communities responded to the scene.

(Photo Credit: KDKA)

One firefighter was checked out for a wrist injury, police said.

Clean-up was underway Saturday afternoon, and they expect to reopen later this week.

“We’ve already started the clean-up efforts. There were only two cars that were a total loss,” David Norris, a friend of the GIS Automotive owner, said. “The remainder just have smoke and minor water damage, and the clean-up efforts are already underway.”

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Crews also had to shut down some roads while putting out the fire.

Route 8 from Pennview Street to Spencer Lane was closed off until 1:30 a.m.

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