close

Alleged would-be robber to stand trial

3 min read
article image -

A Washington teenager who allegedly tried to rob his former employer earlier this month was ordered to stand trial Thursday on charges including attempted robbery.

But after District Judge Jay Weller ordered 19-year-old Mijerian Michael Witcher held for court, the focus of the proceeding became getting help for the teen so he does not make the same mistake again.

Witcher and a 15-year-old Washington boy are accused of trying to rob the Pizza Hut on Murtland Avenue in South Strabane Township Aug. 2. The boy pleaded guilty Tuesday in juvenile court to conspiracy to commit robbery.

Joyce Crouse, manager at the restaurant, said she arrived about 8:45 a.m. to begin preparation to open for the day. Just before 9 a.m., she saw what she believed was someone looking in the window of the rear door.

“I looked out and saw someone wearing a blue bandana and hat,” Crouse said. “It alarmed me so I went up front and called 911. I was quite scared.”

She said the dispatcher stayed on the line with her until police arrived.

Township police Sgt. Drew Hilk said he tried to calm down Crouse as other officers checked the area after making sure no one was in the restaurant. A short time later, he heard on the radio that the two were apprehended.

Hilk checked video surveillance while he was inside the restaurant. One camera angle shows a man he believed was Witcher running in the direction of the state police barracks followed by the 15-year-old boy.

Witcher, in a statement to police Detective Michael Schidlmeier, said that the two came up with the plan the day before the robbery. He also told the detective that the 15-year-old wanted to carry the gun.

Police also found backpacks containing the clothing the teens were wearing during the attempted robbery. Police also found an air pistol in one of the packs.

Crouse told the court that Witcher had worked for her a little over a year as a cook. During her cross-examination, defense attorney Noah Geary asked her if Witcher was a “good kid” and if this was totally out of character for him.

“Yes,” Crouse responded.

Geary, in arguing for the charges of robbery, attempted robbery and conspiracy to be dismissed, said the two had an idiotic idea but made no overt moves to rob the restaurant.

“They got there and chickened out,” Geary said. “It was a horrible experience for this lady. She certainly was scared.”

Assistant District Attorney Leslie Ridge argued there were plenty of steps taken toward a robbery including changing their clothes after the attempt and bringing an air pistol.

“But when they were discovered by Mrs. Crouse, the die was cast,” Weller said in ordering Witcher held on charges of attempted robbery, conspiracy and corruption of minors. The judge dismissed the robbery count.

Witcher told the court he had been living with his friend’s family at the Canterbury Court apartments for the last year. His family told Weller they moved to Pittsburgh but Witcher wanted to finish his senior year at Washington High School.

“He is like a 19-year-old nomad. I want to see him do well and prosper,” Weller told Witcher’s family and friends seated in the courtroom. “He needs structure in his life. Stand up and help him make better decisions.”

Weller reduced Witcher’s bond from $50,000 to a $10,000 percentage bond.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $3.75/week.

Subscribe Today