Robbery suspect admits drug use
A Bentleyville man was arrested by state police for allegedly robbing a Fallowfield Township pizza shop Tuesday afternoon.
Chad Coyle, 44, of 13 Hillman St., is accused of robbing Diddlebugs Pizza and Hoagies, 1629 Route 48, about 3:40 p.m.
State police said his face was partially covered with a bandana when he walked behind the counter and unsuccessfully tried to open the cash register. He was then approached by an employee who asked him what he was doing.
Police said he showed her a silver semiautomatic-style pistol he had taken from the front pocket of his hooded shirt.
The weapon was later determined to be a pellet gun, police said.
As he waited for her to empty the register, he also allegedly took her iPhone.
He then fled with the cellphone and an undetermined amount of cash in a dark blue Chevrolet station wagon, police said.
A trooper on his way to the scene saw a vehicle matching the description, stopped it, and Coyle was apprehended. Police said they found clothing worn during the robbery on the back seat of the vehicle. Coyle allegedly confessed to the crime, telling the trooper he was addicted to heroin.
Coyle was arraigned before District Judge Curtis Thompson on charges of robbery, theft, receiving stolen property, simple assault and harassment.
He was placed in Washington County jail on $75,000 bond. He told Thompson he was self-employed. A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 1 before District Judge Larry Hopkins.