Several arrested on drug charges at tent encampment, police say its a health hazard

Five people at a tent encampment in Downtown Pittsburgh have been charges after a search warrant was executed on Wednesday and Police say the area around the tents is a “public health and fire hazard.”

Pittsburgh Police say two tents located on Grant Street between First Avenue and Fort Pitt Boulevard were searched.

Detectives found “quantities of crack cocaine and lorazepam pills believed to be intended for distribution from this location.”

Two people, Davidt Brown and Daidra Lomax were removed from the tent, interviewed and arrested, charged with narcotics violations.

Three others were also arrested.

Tracy Smith was arrested for an outstanding warrant. William Mazon and Lamar Williams were arrested via summons for possession of a controlled substance.

Police say each person “provided police with a valid home address.”

Officials say the following violations of the Encampment Policy were found during the search:

Section II. a. iv. Evidence of conspicuous selling of illegal drugs or paraphernalia,

vii. Verified reports of violence or criminal activity, particularly where that involves threats to vulnerable individuals.

viii. Health and safety concerns of the residents and persons in and around the encampment.

“Piles of trash, crack pipes/needles, rotten food, human feces and urine bottles are strewn throughout, and several propane tanks are located around and inside tents,” police said.

Health/bio hazards and trash will be removed by city employees.

Personal belongings are being stored by the City of Pittsburgh.