Bad timing at a Sheetz lands McKeesport man in jail on drug charges
A McKeesport man who allegedly reeked of marijuana smoke decided Sunday to get in line for a purchase at the wrong time at the Sheetz convenience store in Rostraver Township.
An off-duty Rostraver police officer, Martin Palla, happened to get in line behind Lance Elliot Robinson and Palla immediately noticed the strong smell of the drug, court records show.
Palla also said he saw a bag of marijuana in the left pocket of the red hooded sweatshirt Robinson was wearing about 11:10 p.m. in the Sheetz at Route 51 and Fellsburg Road.
The officer detained Robinson, 41, at the store counter and called for assistance from his police department.
Palla also noticed a small bag containing a rock of crack near where Robinson was standing.
Robinson admitted to possessing the marijuana but denied having the crack, police claimed in the affidavit.
Police reviewed store surveillance and it showed Robinson reach into his right pocket, pull out the crack and throw it on the floor as Palla took the marijuana from him, court records allege.
Robinson is charged with drug possession, marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He is in Westmoreland County jail on $25,000 bond set Monday by District Judge Charles Christner.