May 11, 2015 3 min read

A South Franklin Township woman became the fourth person in less than a month to be arrested on robbery charges at a business in South Strabane Township.

Melissa Amelia Zelenka, 32, of 1025 Bedillion Road, is accused of shoving a shopping cart into the path of a loss-prevention officer at Target, Strabane Square, and knocking the security officer into a wall Sunday morning, South Strabane police said.

Ryan Jon Molish, 24, of Daisytown, had a preliminary hearing Monday before District Judge Jay Weller on robbery and other charges for allegedly stealing a woman’s purse April 24 in the parking lot of Walmart, Trinity Point, and then using a stun gun on her as she got it back. Molish waived his case to court and remains in Washington County jail on $70,000 bond. He is scheduled for a formal arraignment July 28.

Daniel Wayne Earlywine, 32, who has no known address, and Ashley Renee Riggle, 30, of 2335 Belmont Ave., Canton Township, were charged with robbery for allegedly stealing a purse from a 71-year-old woman in the lot at Sam’s Club, Trinity Point, May 1. Riggle is in jail on $15,000 bond awaiting a preliminary hearing, while Earlywine is still on the lam, police said.

Township police were called to Target about 9:30 a.m. Sunday. The loss-prevention officer told police there were several thefts involving Zelenka within the past 60 days. Police said Zelenka allegedly goes into the store, grabs merchandise and then leaves without paying.

On Sunday, Zelenka reportedly put items valued at more than $150 in the cart and then passed all checkout counters. When the loss-prevention officer tried to stop her, Zelenka pushed the cart out the door, police said, then used the cart to knock the officer out of the way.

Zelenka also allegedly stole almost $500 in items from the store Thursday. She also is charged with retail theft for allegedly stealing items valued at $175 from Walmart May 9.

When Sgt. Michael Manfredi spoke with Zelenka at her home Sunday, he said she produced two white towels reportedly stolen from Target. Manfredi said Zelenka told him she is addicted to heroin.

Zelenka was arraigned before District Judge David Mark on charges of robbery, receiving stolen property, driving under suspension and three counts of retail theft. She was placed in Washington County jail on $35,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for May 20 before District Judge Jay Weller.

Township police Detective Ken Torboli said they are still looking for Earlywine. He warns if anyone is helping Earlywine hide from police, they could be charged, as well with hindering apprehension. Anyone with information on Earlywine’s whereabouts is asked to call township police at 724-225-8111 or 911.