McKees Rocks man accused of beating pregnant ex and kidnapping child caught after botched escape
Pittsburgh, PA — A McKees Rocks man who allegedly assaulted his pregnant ex-girlfriend and kidnapped a toddler during a violent outburst in late August was captured early Friday after attempting to flee through a window during a police raid in Stowe Township.
Justin Daugherty, 24, had been wanted on two dozen charges including aggravated assault of an unborn child, kidnapping of a minor, and attempted homicide stemming from a disturbing chain of events that began just days after he was released from the Allegheny County Jail.
On August 24, investigators say Daugherty showed up at his former girlfriend’s home and began beating her upon learning she had a new boyfriend. After discovering she was pregnant, he allegedly punched her in the stomach repeatedly — both that day and again two days later. The woman later told police she feared for her unborn child’s life during the assaults.
Two days later, on August 26, the woman was able to call her current boyfriend, who arrived at the home with another man to try to get her out. During the confrontation, Daugherty allegedly opened fire, striking one of the men before forcing his ex-girlfriend and a 1-year-old girl into a car and fleeing the scene.
While driving around, Daugherty reportedly threatened further violence if the woman reported him to authorities, before eventually dropping her off at her home.
In addition to the arrest warrant in this case, Daugherty was also wanted for a probation violation tied to a 2024 firearms conviction and for bond violations in a pending attempted homicide case.
Early Friday, Allegheny County detectives tracked Daugherty to a Stowe Township home belonging to the mother of his child. When officers arrived and announced their presence, they heard movement inside the home. Daugherty attempted to slip out a first-floor window but quickly retreated upon spotting K9 Riky waiting outside.
Detectives were preparing to breach the house when a woman opened the door. Officers saw Daugherty run upstairs and ordered him to surrender. He reappeared less than a minute later and was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to Allegheny County Jail, where he is being held on multiple felony charges.
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Key Points
- Justin Daugherty is facing 24 charges including aggravated assault of an unborn child, kidnapping, and attempted homicide.
- He allegedly beat his pregnant ex-girlfriend and kidnapped her and a toddler after a shooting in August.
- Daugherty was caught Friday after attempting to flee a police raid in Stowe Township.
