Nov 7, 2014 3 min read

The man suspected of robbing several area convenience stores and gasoline stations while dressed in camouflage was arrested Friday morning, moments after a robbery at a North Franklin Township business.

Jacob L. Cottrell of 225 Hunter Lane, South Franklin Township, was arraigned before District Judge Robert Redlinger on charges of robbery, theft and retail theft for allegedly robbing Sunrise Sunoco at 1550 W. Chestnut St. During the arraignment, Redlinger told the 27-year-old he understands Cottrell faces charges in four more incidents.

Township police Officer Barry Graham received a report about 5:44 a.m. of a man with camouflage paint on his face robbing the store. The clerk told Graham the robber asked for three packs of menthol Marlboro cigarettes and all of the big bills.

When Washington police asked if he needed assistance, Graham said he gave the description of a dark Chevrolet Cobalt that was used in other robberies.

City police Cpl. Von Lacock spotted a car that had no license plate and matched the description on Park Avenue (Route 18) near West Maiden Street, Graham said. Lacock turned his cruiser around and followed the car as it turned onto West Maiden and then left on Jefferson Avenue, before going right on West Beau Street and into the lot of Jefferson Court Plaza. Police said Cottrell had camouflage paint on his face. He taken into custody without incident.

Three packs of menthol Marlboro cigarettes believed stolen in the robbery and camouflage clothing were spotted inside the car. The license plate also could be seen on the floor of the car.

Police obtained a search warrant for Cottrell’s car, which was impounded and taken to the state police barracks. North Franklin police Chief Ron Fox said the state police forensics services unit searched the car and recovered not only the clothing but the weapon Cottrell reportedly brandished during several of the heists. Fox said the weapon was a BB gun. A gun was not wielded Friday morning at the Sunoco, police said.

Cottrell also is suspected in the Oct. 27 robbery of Valero, 1390 W. Chestnut St., North Franklin; the Oct. 30 robbery of Jim’s Stop & Shop, Morris Township; and Tuesday’s attempted robberies of Exxon, Route 40, Donegal Township, and Frye’s Stateline Grocery, Route 40, Valley Grove, W.Va.

In each case, the robber entered the store and asked for cigarettes before holding up the business. During Tuesday’s robberies, the culprit failed to get any cash. The clerk at the Donegal store went after him with a baseball bat, chasing him out of the store.

Fox said Cottrell would not give police any information, preferring instead to talk to his attorney. Cottrell also told Redlinger he had an attorney.

The chief is glad the robbery suspect is off the streets.

“There is always concern that he is going to escalate, especially if he is trying and failing,” Fox said.

Cottrell is in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19 before Redlinger.