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Man, Woman Arrested In String Of Convenience Store Robberies

ROSTRAVER (KDKA) – Police in Washington and Westmoreland counties are investigating a string of convenience store robberies.

Wendy Victor, 22, and Charles Bell, 50, have been arrested and charged with multiple robberies over the last month.

Victor claimed she did nothing wrong as she tearfully walked past reporters Thursday.

Wendy Victor: I don't know what I did wrong.
Reporter: Did you commit any robberies?
Wendy Victor: No!

Chief Greg Resetar with Rostraver Police believes he recognizes a pattern among the recent robberies.

"The MO appears to be the same, the female goes in first and makes a small purchase, as if they were casing out the place, the male follows and then commits the robbery," he said.

In Rostraver alone the couple is suspected in a hold up at a COGO's on Route 51 as well as a GetGo at the Route 51-I-70 interchange.

Police say during the incident at the GetGo a firearm was shown.

Authorities believe in addition to the two Rostraver robberies, Bell and Victor held up Sunocos in Charleroi and North Belle Vernon.

The couple was pulled over by Rostraver police early Thursday morning; however, Bell did not go quietly.

"He became violent, violently thrashing around, flailing his arms, punching officers and kicking officers," Resetar said.

Police say Bell is also suspected in the robbery of a Burger King in Bentleyville.

Victor is charged with two counts of criminal conspiracy to commit robbery and is being held on $200,000 straight cash bond. Bell faces robbery, aggravated assault, as well as numerous other felony counts. He's being held on $500,000 straight cash bond.

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