Elderly Man Helps Take Down Shoplifter At Washington Co. Mall
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Most thieves wouldn't expect a 74-year-old to help foil their getaway, but that's what happened to an alleged shoplifter over the weekend.
On Saturday, there was a sportsmen's show at Washington Crown Center in North Franklin Township, Washington County.
Charlie Burton of Fombell, Beaver County, was at the mall selling the pens he makes. Some of which are made out of bullets.
"I was going to the food court to get something to eat, and I went over there and there was this officer. He had a fella up against the counter there, and I saw he was in trouble," said Burton.
Jonathan Fekete Jr., 29, is accused of stuffing $200 worth of clothes from Macy's into his jacket, according to police.
Burton jumped in to action.
"I think the officer tripped him a little bit, and I give him a flip and put him down," said Burton. "He kept hollering 'You hurt my arm!' and I said, 'You better quit fussing around and fighting, I'll just break it.'"
Burton helped the officer hold him there until back up arrived.
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta happened to be nearby and snapped a picture showing Burton's efforts.
Burton got a cut on his hand, but he isn't to be fooled with. He used to teach karate and still gives workshops on flatfoot dancing.
Just the same, his wife told him afterwards to leave the crime fighting to someone else. "She didn't think it was a smart thing someone my age to do," said Burton.
Fekete is now in the Washington County Jail. Police say he is also wanted on drug charges from Munhall.
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