Argument Over Bank Card Turns Violent; Woman Beaten and Stabbed on Ruthwood Avenue

The Baldwin-Whitehall Patch spoke with Chief Michael Scott today, Feb. 15, about a domestic-violence incident on Ruthwood Avenue on Monday night, Feb. 14.

Scott informed the B-W Patch that Baldwin Borough Police arrested Kevin B. Johnson, 35, on Monday night after Johnson allegedly beat and repeatedly stabbed his live-in girlfriend, Erin Bargano, 40, at their residence at 2984 Ruthwood in North Baldwin. The arrest happened shortly after the violent incident began at approximately 8 p.m.

According to the Allegheny County Assessment website, 2984 Ruthwood is a multi-family home that is not owned by either Johnson or Bargano.

Both Johnson and Bargano were taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital on Monday night. Bargano, despite allegedly being stabbed five or six times by Johnson with a steak knife, is believed to not be in life-threatening condition. She is believed to still be receiving treatment at UPMC Mercy, though.

Johnson was treated for a wound to the head, a result from being hit with a vase by Bargano before leaving the scene, Scott said.

Johnson has been released from UPMC Mercy and has been charged with aggravated assault, two counts of simple assault, theft, endangering the welfare of children and criminal mischief as a result of the incident, which also saw Bargano's two young daughters involved.

The older daughter, 12, allegedly jumped on Johnson's back in defense of her mother before he threw her off, and the younger daughter, 7, apparently tried to escape the house, diverting attention away from Bargano long enough for Bargano to avoid more injury.

Scott said that the two girls eventually did leave the house, and though he is uncertain who made the 911 call, it may have been a neighbor who spotted the girls calling for help.

Neither of the girls are believed to be injured, Scott said.

The theft charge against Johnson stems from what started the dispute in the first place, according to Scott.

Scott said that Johnson and Bargano were arguing over a debit/credit card belonging to Bargano that he allegedly used without her permission. The argument grew violent from there.

Police seized Johnson after a very brief car chase that started when he returned to the scene of the incident a short while after it began. It is not known why Johnson returned to the scene, though Scott said that Baldwin Police spotted him very easily while officers were patrolling the area.

Johnson was arraigned today, Feb. 15, and his bail was set at $60,000 cash.