Two men arrested in strong-arm robbery
A pickup truck believed to be used in a strong-arm robbery last week at Walmart, Trinity Point, was spotted Tuesday morning by South Strabane Township in a parking lot and resulted in the arrest of the suspected robber and getaway driver.
Jacob Anderson, 28, who police said is homeless, and Bradley Clark Pomykala, 35, of 651 S. Palm St., North Franklin Township, were arrested on charges including robbery, theft and conspiracy.
Township police Detective Michael Schidlmeier said that Anderson is accused of robbing the clerk after being dropped off at the store July 8 by Pomykala, who then waited for him in the lot of a hotel in Trinity Point.
Anderson reportedly entered the store about 3 p.m. He was behind a cashier, looking at a magazine. When the clerk opened her register drawer, Anderson allegedly shoved her out of the way and grabbed $798.10 from the register. The clerk tried to stop him, but he broke free and fled from the store. Schidlmeier said the clerk was not injured in the robbery.
Store security did not notify police of the robbery until the following day when they provided police with surveillance video.
Schidlmeier reviewed the video and determined that Anderson had been in a small, turquoise-blue pickup truck.
On Tuesday, the truck was found in the lot of First Commonwealth Bank. Sitting on the front seat of the truck were a green hat and sunglasses police believe were worn by the robber.
Pomykala, who was at the bank to do landscaping work, had the truck. He admitted to police that he was the driver of the truck and had dropped off Anderson. He also admitted to knowing Anderson was going to steal money from the register and made arrangements to meet him after the theft.
Anderson told police that Pomykala had devised the plan. He also admitted to wearing the hat and sunglasses found inside the truck.
Both men told Schidlmeier they have drug problems and spent the stolen cash on drugs.
Both men were arraigned before District Judge James Ellis on charges of robbery, theft and two counts of conspiracy. They were each placed in the Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday before District Judge Jay Weller.