Clerk charged in McDonald robbery
An employee of the Subway that was robbed Sunday night in McDonald was arrested Wednesday by borough police for his alleged role in the crime.
Douglas Schrott Jr., 29, of 103 W. Lincoln Ave., was arraigned before District Judge Gary Havelka on charges of robbery, burglary, criminal trespass, hindering apprehension, theft, receiving stolen property and false reports to police. His alleged accomplices, Jarrett Short and Ashley Bookser, both 20, also of 103 W. Lincoln, were arrested Monday on burglary, robbery and related charges.
Schrott was working at the restaurant at 108 W. Lincoln when it was robbed just after 9 p.m. Schrott is seen on store surveillance reportedly placing cash in a duffel bag brought into the store by Short, who removed cash from the safe. Police also learned Short was a former employee at the shop. Bookser waited in her vehicle at the rear of the restaurant.
Short initially lied to police about the sequence of events and denied his involvement. Short later told police Schrott suggested he rob the Subway one night while Schrott was closing. Short told police that he and Schrott talked back and forth via text message on how to commit the robbery.
Police checked the messages between Schrott and Short outlining the time and how to commit the robbery. They also discussed Schrott wanted $200 for taking part in the robbery. Schrott also reportedly told Short to “make it look like you have a gun in your pocket.”
Schrott reportedly locked the front door and unlocked the back door. Short allegedly told Schrott to wait 10 minutes after the robbery to call police to “give me time to get gone.” Schrott reportedly sent Short texts later that night warning him that police were looking for him and Bookser. He also allegedly asked for his cut of the money.
Schrott was placed in Washington County jail on $10,000 bond. Short and Bookser remain in jail on $25,000 bond. All three are scheduled for preliminary hearings later this month.