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Charges waived in robberies

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A Somerset Township man accused of robbing three Bentleyville businesses with a black plastic toy gun earlier this month waived his case to court Wednesday after his bond was reduced from $750,000 to $75,000.

Robert Petrick Jr., 22, of 169 Almond Road, is accused of robbing the BP station, 204 Wilson Road, on Jan. 4. Two days later, he allegedly tried to rob The Medicine Shoppe, 808 Main St., before running down the street and robbing Jets Food Center, 506 Main St.

Petrick was apologetic as District Judge David Mark handed him court documents to sign.

“Thank you, sir,” Petrick said. “I know I messed up. I regret it.”

Petrick was caught after state police tracked footprints in the snow into a wooded area after he allegedly robbed the food center. Troopers found the sweatshirt and black bandanna he reportedly wore in all three robberies before catching him with the cash and pack of Marlboro cigarettes stolen from the grocery store.

Petrick had reportedly been in the BP station checking lottery tickets before returning 45 minutes later, pointing a gun at two clerks and demanding money. At the drug store, he allegedly confronted an employee at the rear of the store as she went to disarm the security system. She yelled “Get out of here Bobby.” He then ran south down Main to the grocery store, allegedly robbing it less than 10 minutes later.

Petrick was charged with five counts of robbery, three counts of simple assault, two counts of theft and one count of disorderly conduct.

Pete Marcoline, Petrick’s defense attorney, said that he will continue to work with his family as they proceed in the defense of the charges.

Petrick is scheduled for formal arraignment on March 24.

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