South Strabane police charge man who would not identify himself
South Strabane Township police arrested a man who would not identify himself when he was caught after allegedly robbing a man inside a Trinity Point store Tuesday afternoon.
John Doe, who also refused to provide an address or birth date, was charged with robbery, theft and receiving stolen property.
Police were called just after 4 p.m. to Walmart for a report of a robbery. The alleged victim, Jason Lowe of Washington, was able to provide a description of the man who ripped a gold chain off his neck before running from the store.
While responding, police spotted a man matching the description walking up a hill from Washington Road to Strabane Square. Officer John Beckus chased the man on foot up the hill and found him trying to hide between vehicles in the lot of Washington Hyundai. He initially identified himself as Damarcus Bennett, but police were not able to confirm his identity.
Lowe told police he was standing outside the employee break area speaking with Doe. Lowe told police he had never met the man before and did not know his name. The man then walked behind Lowe, ripped off the 18-karat gold chain and started to run. Lowe gave chase and was able to retrieve the chain, but the clasp had been broken.
Doe told police the other man, Lowe, had assaulted and chased him. Witnesses and store surveillance confirmed Lowe’s version of the incident.
Doe was arraigned before District Judge Curtis Thompson, who declined to set bond since the suspect would not provide a name or address. Doe is scheduled for a June 4 preliminary hearing before District Judge Jay Weller.