William Gregory, 35, was arrested and charged with ethical endangerment and theft after breaking into a home and attempting to steal a PlayStation and other electronic accessories while posing as an ICE agent, according to police and Pittsburgh Action News 4. The man got into a fight with a 17-year-old boy.
According to the criminal complaint, Gregory entered Veltzuber's, Pennsylvania, home (in south Pittsburgh) through a kitchen window while claiming to be an ICE agent. Gregory reportedly demanded to see documentation of the legal status of the home's occupants. Gregory held the teenager at knifepoint while attempting to steal the PlayStation console, PlayStation controller and the boy's mobile phone. Police reported that the boy eventually punched Gregory in the face, rendering him unconscious until police arrived.
According to Pittsburgh's Action News 4 (via WTAE), Crystal Calloway, a neighbor of the family, said: “I think it’s a predominantly Hispanic family, and our neighborhood is very diverse.” She also expressed concern about someone impersonating an ICE agent while trying to break into the community. For context, it's worth noting that ICE protests surrounding the death of Renee Good are still ongoing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Just two weeks ago, on January 7, a 37-year-old American citizen was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in his neighborhood.
Callaway also praised the neighbor's son's actions and courage, saying, “It's great that a young man's adrenaline got pumped and he took action to protect his family. I'm glad.” William Gregory has been charged with racial intimidation and theft and is currently incarcerated in the Allegheny County Jail. Police reported that Gregory was previously wanted for another robbery and firearms possession charges when this attempted robbery occurred.
