Man Accused Of Carjacking Woman At Idlewild Park Arrested After Running Out Of Gas
LIGONIER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A Pittsburgh man is behind bars after allegedly carjacking a woman in the parking lot of Idlewild & SoakZone amusement park in Westmoreland County.
Andre Evans, Jr., 18, was stranded at Idlewild with no way to get back to his home in Pittsburgh.
"He obviously tried to find a ride home, as I understand," said Ligonier Township Police Chief Michael Matrunics.
However, it did not involve calling a friend or a cab, Evans allegedly saw a woman walking alone in the parking lot and first asked for her cell phone.
"She was put in a head lock, and the guy ultimately grabbed her keys," said Chief Matrunics. "He was using the key fob to identify the car by the lights going on and off."
Evans allegedly jumped in and pulled out of the lot.
According to police, Evans said he didn't want to hurt the victim. However, pulling out the parking lot, the car almost ran her down.
Almost immediately, Ligonier Police put out the word to be on the lookout for the stolen car.
Evans later turned up in Somerset County on Route 985 in front of Sandies Bar & Grill when he ran out of gas. He was arrested and charged with numerous felonies of robbery, aggravated assault and stealing a car.
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For its part, the park put out a statement on the incident:
"The park was able to provide surveillance video of the culprit, who was also visiting the park with his family, to the Ligonier Township Police. This was a highly unusual and isolated situation for Idlewild & SoakZone, as our park has always been an exceptionally fun and safe place for families."
"This could happen anywhere else; it just happened at Idlewild Park," said Chief Matrunics.
Evans remains in the Westmoreland County Jail, held on $50,000 straight cash bond.
