Couple Fights Off Robbery Suspect At Westmoreland County Auto Repair Shop
PENN TOWNSHIP (KDKA)- The owners of a Westmoreland County auto repair shop were able to fight off an attempted robber.
Police arrested Charles Thomas, 76, of Braddock, on robbery, assault and harassment charges.
According to police, Thomas was going through several desk drawers at Fagan's Auto Service in Penn Township just after noon on Tuesday.
There was $600 in her husband's wallet and when Delores asked Thomas what he was doing, he said he was there to get his car worked on.
"It doesn't appear that we can substantiate that claim. It appears he was just there and took advantage of an opportunity," Penn Township Police Chief John Otto said.
Thomas dropped the wallet and tried to exit the building.
According to the complaint, Fagan grabbed Thomas by his coat as he walked out the door.
"Out the door we went, I'm there like, well, you're not going anywhere and I grabbed his jacket," Delores said.
With her holding onto his jacket, the pair began to wrestle on the ground. Police say Thomas stood up and punched Fagan in the shoulder.
"Our paramedic service driving through town and saw a male and a female struggling in the parking lot," Chief Otto said.
The paramedics stopped and Delores ran to get her husband, who was outside working. When she went to call 911, the plug had been pulled.
Delores quickly used her cell phone to call 911.
Fagan's husband, Dennis, came outside and held down Thomas until police arrived.
Police said Thomas has a criminal history dating back to when he was 17 years old. He is being held in the Westmoreland County Jail on $50,000 bond. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 9.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
