Suspect nabbed in robbery of beer distributor
A second suspect wanted in the robbery of a Canonsburg beer distributor almost a year ago was returned to Washington County and arraigned on charges of robbery and conspiracy after he was apprehended earlier this month in North Carolina.
Jeremy Lemoyne Oakes, 35, of Pittsburgh, along with Terrale J. Blow, 42, also of Pittsburgh, are accused of robbing Ross Beverage, 173 E. Pike St., at gunpoint Dec. 29, 2015.
Blow, who was arrested Jan. 22 on charges of robbery, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm, theft and reckless endangerment, was reportedly identified as the robber, while Oakes allegedly was the driver of the getaway vehicle.
Police were called to the beer distributor for a report of a robbery in progress. Surveillance video showed the robber, identified as Blow, coming into the store wearing a black cap, black coat and black jeans. When the clerk approached, he pulled out what appears to be a gun, shoved it into the clerk’s back and demanded money.
Oakes was developed as a person of interest. He was interviewed by police, telling them that he and Blow had been in Washington County because Blow wanted to go shopping. The two also allegedly purchased heroin in Washington.
They were on their way back to Pittsburgh when Blow allegedly told Oakes to pull off Interstate 79 and go into Canonsburg. As they drove down the street, Blow reportedly told Oakes to circle the block and pull off, claiming he had to use the restroom. Oakes initially went into the beer distributorship and purchased cigarettes. Blow then allegedly went into the store, came back about 40 second later, and jumped into the vehicle while carrying a black revolver. They drove off as police approached. Blow allegedly told Oakes, “I had to hit that,” meaning he had robbed the store.
Oakes left the area after speaking with police. Canonsburg Detective Michael Ledger said Oakes was picked up Dec. 1 by U.S. marshals as he reported for work at a company in Concord, N.C. He was placed in jail in Davidson County, N.C., on $100,000 bond until he was returned to Washington County.
Oakes was arraigned on the charges before District Judge David Mark and placed in Washington County jail on $500,000 bond. He is scheduled for a Jan. 11 preliminary hearing before Mark.
Blow is in jail on $250,000 bond. Jury selection in his case is tentatively set for Jan. 9 before Judge Michael J. Lucas.