Police: Assault suspect had master keys to Oakland apartment building

A Pittsburgh man faces charges after police say he followed a University of Pittsburgh student into his off-campus apartment over the weekend.

Chaz R. Corlew Jr., 20, of Mt. Oliver was charged with stalking, burglary, simple assault, strangulation, indecent assault and resisting arrest, according to court documents.

According to a sworn affidavit, Corlew followed the male victim into his apartment complex, HERE Pittsburgh on the 3000 block of Forbes Avenue, using what police said was a set of master keys to the building.

After entering the apartment, Corlew allegedly propositioned the victim and grabbed him before trying to lead him into a bedroom, according to a criminal complaint.

Corlew then allegedly placed the man in a choke-hold, according to a criminal complaint. The man freed himself and ran away to call police. He later encountered Corlew again and made his way through a crowded part of the street to avoid Corlew.

The man met with police and provided a description of Corlew, who was located shortly after and taken into custody, according to court records.

Police said the items in Corlew’s possession included a key card to the victim’s apartment and a master key card able to open any door in the building.

Corlew was unable to post $5,000 bail and taken to Allegheny County Jail. A Sept. 3 preliminary hearing is set in Pittsburgh Municipal Court.

Police did not say how Corlew came into possession of the key cards.