By Kathie O. Warco

Staff writer

kwarco@observer-reporter.com

A Monessen man was arrested late Monday on a warrant in connection with a home invasion last week in Monongahela.

Nicholas Scott Bell, 19, of 913 McMahon Ave., was taken into custody by Monessen police on the warrant obtained by Monongahela police.

Police were called in the early morning hours of Aug. 20 to 601 Sheridan St. for a report of a home invasion involving guns. Jordan Henderson told police that he and a friend, Derek Dague, were on the computer when three men entered the home through an unlocked door.

One of the robbers pointed a chrome, .38-caliber revolver at them and told them to give up all their money and valuables. The gunmen held them at bay while the other two blocked the front and rear exits.

Dague reached into his pocket and gave one of them $50. The gunman then hit Dague on the left side of the head. Henderson told them he had no money. The gunman then pointed the gun at Henderson's sister, who was sleeping on the couch.

One of the culprits found $100 in Henderson's pocket. The gunman pulled a necklace from Henderson's neck. On the necklace was a key to a safe in a bedroom.

The three robbers turned on the light as they entered the room, waking Henderson's brother. The brother woke up and was hit in the head with the gun, knocking him out.

Bell and one of the robbers started grabbing football and basketball jerseys and other clothing, two Xbox games and controllers and jewelry. One of them also carried out the safe.

While the suspects were carrying the items out of the home, Henderson grabbed his siblings and Dague. They ran to Henderson's father's bedroom and woke him up to call 911.

When Henderson saw one of the suspects coming out of the bedroom again, he grabbed a baking dish and hit the culprit over the head. All three suspects ran up Sheridan to Sixth Street to a waiting vehicle.

Police Chief Brian Tempest said police are continuing their investigation.

Bell was arraigned via video before District Judge Jay Dutton on charges including four counts of reckless endangerment and simple assault, three counts each of robbery and terroristic threats, and one count each of burglary, simple trespass and disorderly conduct. He was placed in Washington County Jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 4 before District Judge Mark Wilson.

Home