Robbery, Shooting at 2771 Churchview Ave. in Baldwin Borough

(Corrections submitted to this article by Baldwin Borough Police Chief Michael Scott on Feb. 8 at 3:40 p.m. are written in italics. This article was originally published on Feb. 8 at 1:44 p.m.)

The Baldwin-Whitehall Patch spoke with Chief Michael Scott today, Feb. 8, about a shooting incident late on Feb. 7 at 2771 Churchview Ave.

According to Scott, victim Joshua Tonecha, 23 years old and residing at 2771 Churchview, was visited by a friend at approximately 10 p.m. on Feb. 7. After that friend – Edward Kovacic, 29, of North Versailles – entered 2771 Churchview, Azad Smith, 19, of Pittsburgh, allegedly entered behind him armed with two silver handguns.

Smith is alleged to have taken $800 from Tonecha before shooting him in the neck beneath his chin. Tonecha was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital, where he is in critical but stable condition, according to Scott.

"He's not expected to die," Scott said.

Kovacic was not robbed by the gunman, as he said that he did not have any money on him.

"We kind of think that [Kovacic] probably brought this other guy [Smith] with him to rob [Tonecha]," Scott said.

"So, he [Kovacic] enters the house. [The alleged gunman] enters right behind him with two silver handguns. He [the gunman] demands that both of them [Tonecha and Kovacic] give him whatever money that they have. The guy that he came in with [Kovacic] said that he didn't have any money. I guess the other guy [Tonecha] did have money.

"A shot goes off somewhere during the process of this robbery, striking [Tonecha] in the neck. The actor gets away with approximately $800."

Scott said that when Baldwin Borough Police reported to the scene, Kovacic was asked for identification. When Kovacic went to his vehicle to retrieve his ID, police smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. Police searched the vehicle and found 1.5 pounds of marijuana and eight doses of oxycodone in it. Baldwin Borough Police then arrested Kovacic and charged him with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. He was lodged at Allegheny County Jail to await arraignment.

Scott said that police then started following footprints in the snow near the scene of the shooting which were believed to be caused by the suspected shooter.

Scott said that police searched deep into North Baldwin behind Churchview Avenue in pursuit of the shooter and that Pittsburgh Police set up a perimeter to assist. Pittsburgh Police employed its Canine Division, according to Scott.

Baldwin Police eventually spotted the believed shooter running through the backyards of some Baldwin homes and climbing fences. Scott said that Baldwin Police arrested the man [Smith] at approximately 11 p.m. in the 2800 block of Waterman Avenue.

Smith is being charged with aggravated assault, robbery and criminal attempt homicide. He was lodged at the county jail as well to await arraignment.