Jan 8, 2019 2 min read

A Charleroi man was jailed after allegedly wielding a knife while stealing merchandise at Target in South Strabane Township last week, then returning to that store and another to steal more items earlier this week.

Target’s loss-prevention team recognized Charles A. Beerens Jr., 59, of 1908 Grange Road, when he entered the store Monday afternoon.

According to South Strabane police, on Jan. 2, Beerens entered the store about 4:15 p.m. and stole $150 worth of merchandise. He came back about the same time the next day with a knife, they said.

Police said the loss-prevention officer tried to detain Beerens that day because he was attempting to steal $900 worth of merchandise. According to the criminal complaint, the officer noticed Beerens had a knife in his hand. While holding the knife, Beerens allegedly told the officer, “Go ahead and search me,” causing the officer to be “in fear of bodily injury,” the complaint said.

Beerens left the store and ran to nearby Giant Eagle, where he was later picked up by someone, police said.

On Monday, Beerens returned to Target about 4:30 p.m. and allegedly stole $150 in merchandise. Police said he then drove to nearby Lowe’s, where he allegedly stole merchandise. South Strabane police were waiting for him when he exited the store.

Police said Beerens refused to remove his hand from his jacket and attempted to walk away from officers. He did not comply with orders, the complaint said, and police had to use a Taser in order to arrest him.

Beerens was charged with felony retail theft, robbery, resisting arrest and possessing instruments of crime. He was arraigned Monday night by District Judge Gary Havelka and put in Washington County Jail.