Police Make Arrest In 2 Lawrence Co. Robberies
NEW CASTLE (KDKA) -- Police say a suspect wanted in connection with two robberies in Lawrence County has been taken into custody.
The Shenango Township Police Department says 46-year-old John Graham Jr. of Edinburg, Lawrence County, was arrested overnight after the Shenango China Federal Credit Union in New Castle and the Last Minit Mart in Shenango Township were held up on Wednesday.
According to New Castle Police, the Shenango China Federal Credit Union in the Town Mall was robbed just after 3 p.m. Wednesday.
The suspect was believed to be driving a white cargo van with ladder racks.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
Then, later on Wednesday night, Shenango Township Police say the Last Minit Mart on New Butler Road was held up.
Shenango Police Officer Dan Tressler says when the suspect came into the store; the clerk hit the panic alarm, notifying police.
"Upon arrival at the gas station, they were advised by the clerk that a white male displayed a knife and demanded a pack of cigarettes and all the money from the cash drawer," said Officer Tressler.
It was still photographs from the store's surveillance video that lead police straight to Graham. They were posted on Shenango Township's Facebook page.
"We received numerous people calling in who identified him as John David Graham, Jr.," Officer Tressler said.
The store clerk made it a little easier for police when she told them she saw the suspect take off in a white van with ladder racks.
It was in the parking lot of the Walmart in New Castle where police found Graham sitting in his vehicle.
No one was injured in either of the robberies.
Shenango Township Police say Graham is charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment and simple assault.
He is now being held in the Lawrence County Jail.
