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Suspect In Custody In Robbery, Shooting At Ross Twp. Business

ROSS TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A man accused of shooting a clerk during an attempted robbery at a Ross Township business is now behind bars.

Investigators say 32-year-old George Wilson is accused of trying to rob The Exchange, a music and entertainment store, on McKnight Road back on Dec. 2.

According to police, the suspect - who was dressed in all black and was carrying a gun - demanded money, but "became flustered when the store clerk couldn't get the cash register opened and he fired a shot."

The 23-year-old clerk suffered a gunshot wound to the back. He was critically injured, but survived.

The suspect fled the scene on foot.

In searching for Wilson, police released surveillance photos and video from inside store.

The store even offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

According to the criminal complaint, it was while investigating similar robberies in Monroeville and Wilkins Township that police were able to track down Wilson.

The criminal complaint reports Wilson was arrested in connection with a Dec. 26 business robbery in Wilkins Township. Authorities say they tested the gun used in that incident and it was a match to the "spent shell casing recovered" at the scene of the McKnight Road incident.

Police say clothing, a photo and web searches for news stories on the attempted robbery also lead to Wilson's arrest.

Wilson is facing charges of robbery, aggravated assault and recklessly endangering another person

A spokesperson for the owners of The Exchange released this statement following the arrest:

"It's been our goal from the beginning of this horrendous situation to work diligently every single day to find a way to apprehend this perpetrator. The owners and management of The Exchange would like to thank our staff, costumers and the Ross Township Police Department for all their hard work and dedication."

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