PITTSBURGH \u2014 The fallout from a rooftop ordeal in Pittsburgh\u2019s Knoxville neighborhood continues. <\/p>\n
Only Channel 11 was there in September when a serial burglary suspect evaded capture for thirteen hours.<\/p>\n
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Serial burglary suspect arrested after hours-long standoff with police on roof<\/a><\/p>\n The man who owns one of the homes told Channel 11 his roof suffered significant damage and the City of Pittsburgh has just denied his claim for help paying for it. <\/p>\n The suspect had been renting the third floor at the house, and Pittsburgh Firefighters cut through the roof with a chainsaw to try help aid in his capture.<\/p>\n When he was finally cuffed, the homeowner, who goes by \u2018Russ,\u2019 was left picking up the pieces.<\/p>\n He took Channel 11 inside at the time.<\/p>\n PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Owner calls for answers while making repairs to house damaged during hours-long standoff<\/a><\/p>\n He says he spent about $20,000 fixing four large holes in the roof.<\/p>\n The question of who will help foot the bill remains nearly six months later.<\/p>\n In September, a spokesperson from the Allegheny County Sheriff\u2019s Office told Channel 11 that Russ would have to file a claim with the City of Pittsburgh because firefighters made the cuts.<\/p>\n Just a few days ago, Russ received a letter from the Law Department denying his damage claim.<\/p>\n The letter read in part:<\/p>\n \u201cThe facts as presented do not establish any liability on the part of the City of Pittsburgh […] Our investigation has determined that the Allegheny County Sheriffs were in control of the incident and that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (PBF) responded and took action at the request and direction of the Allegheny County Sheriffs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Law Department [of the] City of Pittsburgh, they\u2019re refusing to pay me. They\u2019re just pointing at each other,\u201d Russ said.<\/p>\n We did reach out to the Allegheny County Sheriff\u2019s Office, and a spokesperson told us he\u2019d look into it and let us know what he finds out.<\/p>\n \u201cThe authorities could come destroy your house and not be accountable for that. There is no help, no compensation. Not even one cent.\u201d<\/p>\n While this is going on, Russ says he was dinged for a code violation at the property, something he says $20,000 could easily solve.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n