A 54-year-old man was in critical condition last night after he was shot twice in the back near North Millvale Avenue and Gem Way in Garfield, Pittsburgh police said.

Police did not release the man's name. Cmdr. Thomas Stangrecki said he was shot about 4 p.m. Police found him in a white Buick. Its rear windshield had been shattered by at least one bullet. Detectives weren't sure if the man was shot while in the car, was outside and got in the car to flee, or both.

Sheilla Carrie, who lives nearby, said she tended to the wounded man until paramedics arrived and that he described the assailant as a tall young man dressed in all red who ran down Dearborn Street. Police have not said whether they are looking for more than one person in connection with the shooting.