Ongoing squabble ends with shooting
Teen arrested for Wilkinsburg incident
Allegheny County police arrested a teenager after a 19- yearold man was shot multiple times Sunday evening in Wilkinsburg.
Authorities found the victim, identified in a criminal complaint as Jordan Hunt, about 5: 35 p. m. in the 1000 block of Penn Avenue. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Mr. Hunt was standing at a street corner when Robert Cook, 17, approached and shot him roughly six times, according to investigators. The first shot was to Mr. Hunt’s stomach. Mr. Cook said he continued to shoot because Mr. Hunt would not run away.
Mr. Hunt was involved in an ongoing feud with Mr. Cook, of Wilkinsburg, who also goes by the nickname “Tre,” police said Monday. He told authorities that he and Mr. Hunt had been arguing for the past couple of months because Mr. Hunt didn’t like him dating his sister.
Mr. Cook admitted to police that he shot Mr. Hunt and said he felt threatened by him. He moved out of town for a time after Mr. Hunt allegedly pulled an AK- 47 on him two months ago, an affidavit states.
Mr. Cook said he became concerned Sunday while walking down Penn Avenue and seeing Mr. Hunt ride past him in a car. He told police that he was worried due to “gestures” Mr. Hunt made, and the way he acted when he saw him. Mr. Cook also said the previous night Mr. Hunt threatened him, the affidavit said.
Mr. Cook decided to protect himself, according to the affidavit.
Fifteen minutes before the shooting Mr. Cook borrowed a silver revolver from his cousin who lives nearby on Swissvale Avenue, which is roughly one minute from his mother’s residence on Ross Street and one minute away from where the
shooting occurred on Penn Avenue, the affidavit said. Mr. Cook told investigators that he later returned with the gun to his cousin’s home, but his cousin’s mother questioned why he was bringing it to her house.
They initially denied to police that Mr. Cook had come to their residence with a gun on Swissvale Avenue, but later admitted he had come to the residence, the affidavit said. Mr. Cook’s cousin told police he may have hidden the gun in the basement, according to the affidavit. Mr. Cook told police he tossed the gun somewhere between Stoner Alley and Penn Avenue.
He also told police he was in possession of a .38caliber revolver or a .357 Magnum when he shot Mr. Hunt. He is not of legal age to possess a firearm and cannot obtain a valid permit.
Mr. Cook is charged as an adult with attempted homicide, aggravated assault, carrying a firearm without a license, and possession of a firearm by a minor.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the county police tip line at 1- 833- ALLTIPS ( 1- 833- 255- 8477). Callers can remain anonymous.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 27.