Authorities are investigating a series of incidents that unfolded this week in Westmoreland County, centering around Live! Casino Pittsburgh and several alarming events involving local residents. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, a woman attempted to use a counterfeit $100 bill at the casino, prompting local law enforcement involvement.
The Pennsylvania State Police reported that the woman tried to slide the phony bill, labeled "For Cinematic Use Only," into a slot machine at Live! Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield Township. The machine, however, rejected the bill, jamming in the process. Casino staff quickly intervened, unjamming the machine, and discovered the bill was not valid for use. It remains unclear whether charges will be filed against the woman, as police have yet to make a statement regarding any legal actions.
This event created a stir at the casino but was swiftly resolved with no further consequences. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, March 25, traffic came to a standstill due to a multi-vehicle crash on Parkway West (Interstate 376) at Poplar Street around 7:08 a.m. Authorities reported that the crash occurred just under a mile west of Exit 67, causing significant congestion for those traveling in the area.
By 8:30 a.m., the incident had been cleared to the shoulder, but not before affecting a substantial number of morning commuters. Fortunately, though traffic snarls were reported, no injuries were linked to this incident.
Compounding the current situation, a more serious incident unfolded the following day in East Allegheny. On Monday, March 24, just after 6:15 p.m., Pittsburgh police responded to a domestic dispute within a gas station parking lot on the 300 block of Cedar Avenue. An adult woman reported that her child's father had taken her vehicle, along with their 5-month-old baby still inside, and fled the scene.
Fortunately, the child was later recovered unharmed. Authorities tracked the father, identified as 22-year-old Sterling Smith of Pittsburgh, to a residence in Duquesne, where the baby was safely reunited with its mother. However, during this distressing incident, Smith allegedly made several alarming threats concerning the child's safety, stating he was "going to kill the baby, strangle the baby and throw the baby off of a bridge," as detailed in a criminal complaint cited by WTAE.
During the desperate search, police attempted to contact Smith through FaceTime. In a clear disregard for safety, he showed himself driving at nearly 100 mph with the infant still in the vehicle. Smith was subsequently taken into custody and now faces charges that are forthcoming.
In another unsettling report, two young girls were victims of an indecent exposure incident in Derry Township on March 16. The girls, aged 13 and 15, were walking home when a male driver in an older model red truck caught their attention by beeping his horn. Once they looked over, he exposed himself and then drove away from the scene. Police are actively investigating the matter.
In light of road safety concerns, road construction has reduced a section of the Glenwood Bridge connecting Hazelwood and Hayes in Pittsburgh to one lane. This construction, affecting the road between Glass Run Road and PA-885/2nd Avenue, is projected to continue through November, impacting traffic flow significantly in the area.
As a busy week unfolds in Westmoreland County, authorities remain vigilant to ensure community safety in light of these events. Local residents are urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious behavior or incidents to law enforcement.
Megan Swift is a TribLive reporter covering trending news in Western Pennsylvania. A Murrysville native, she joined the Trib full time in 2023 after serving as editor-in-chief of The Daily Collegian at Penn State. She previously worked as a Jim Borden Scholarship intern at the Trib for three summers. She can be reached at [email protected].
