Police apprehend man wanted for questioning in Penn Township double homicide, other incidents

May 18—Less than two hours after identifying a North Huntingdon man wanted for questioning in connection with the fatal shooting of two people in Penn Township, he was taken into custody near his home Monday.

Victor Steban, 53, was apprehended about 12:40 p.m. on Route 30 near his North Thompson Lane home, which was damaged in a suspicious fire Saturday, state Trooper Stephen Limani confirmed.

Traffic was backed up westbound along Route 30 into Hempfield as township police and troopers set up a perimeter around North Thompson Lane near the Sheetz convenience store after receiving a tip. Traffic was slowed until after 1 p.m. as authorities were searching a package Steban was carrying when he was taken into custody as he was seen running along Route 30.

"We want to speak with him. We had three separate shootings in south Hempfield and Sewickley townships over the weekend, and we've developed information that he's a suspect," Limani said.

Police Chief Robert Rizzo said township officers were searching for Steban, who was called "armed and dangerous" since the fire at 11 p.m. Saturday damaged his home. Rizzo said the fire has not been ruled an arson, but they did find weapons in his home and charged him with illegal possession of firearms.

Steban is a convicted felon prohibited from having guns. Authorities said he also is wanted for questioning in connection with a car explosion along the 1100 block of Clay Pike, also in North Huntingdon, that occurred 45 minutes after the fire at his home. The federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting township police with that investigation and has offered a $5,000 reward for information.

Three employees of Rain Remodeling and Restoration watched the wild pursuit unfold Tuesday on Route 30 outside the business. James Kibler said there was a state police helicopter flying low near the highway's intersection with Arona Road and traffic was stopped.

Then, they spotted Steban on Route 30 while some motorists apparently fled their cars to get away.

"He appeared in the median, just like walking down," Jessica Rain-Green said.

Police converged on Steban and took him into custody. They searched a camouflage backpack he was carrying and pulled out a gun.

"They held him on the ground for quite some time," Kibler said.

"Of all the places to catch him," said Stephanie Ankeny.

All three were relieved it ended peacefully.

"It's just a little too close for comfort," Rain-Green said. "I just feel safer that he's gone."

Steban has not been charged in the Penn Township killings.

Investigators said a friend on Monday morning found Jacob Erdeljac, 41, and Mara Casale, 27, shot to death at Erdeljac's home near Bratkovich Road. A Toyota Tacoma belonging to one of the victims was stolen from the scene and found abandoned hours later in Manor, about 5 miles away.

Duquesne Light Co. confirmed Tuesday that Erdeljac was employed as a transmission and distribution supervisor.

Erdeljac played football at Penn Hills High School, according to a Penn Hills football website, which had a photo of Erdeljac with his teammates.

His Facebook page had several photos of Erdeljac and his motorcycle trips, including one to Yosemite National Park in California. There is a photo of he and Casale at the wedding of Casale's friend, according to the caption in the photo.

Casale, a Penn-Trafford graduate, worked as a barmaid and waitress at Ski's & Nick's Lounge, a neighborhood tavern along Route 130 in Harrison City.

"Everybody loved her. She was very friendly. She treated you like a friend, even if she did not know you," said bar owner Nick Agona.

A double shooting is something you don't think happens out in Penn Township, Agona said.

"Everybody was really shook up about it," he said.

Otto said police have no specific evidence linking Steban to the deaths of Erdeljac and Casale.

"But, with all the events that took place throughout the weekend, for us not to look at him ... we'd be foolish," Otto said.

Otto declined to say whether Steban knew Erdeljac or Casale. He said the investigation continues.

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