Charges against Uniontown man dismissed
All charges against a man accused of breaking into an occupied home in Uniontown to steal drugs and money in June were dismissed Tuesday after a witness failed to appear in court. City police Officer Jamie L. Holland said Brandon Epps, 18, of Uniontown was charged before Magisterial District Judge Michael M. Metros with burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, carrying a firearm without a license, conspiracy to commit theft and recklessly endangering another person.
Holland said all charges against Epps were dismissed after a witness failed to appear to testify regarding the charges.
Holland said the incident occurred when officers were called to 15 Dunkard Ave. shortly before 3 a.m. June 21 for a reported break-in.
He said Officer Matthew Painter was the first officer to arrive at the home and spotted a suspect running from the scene.
Painter pursued the suspect, eventually identified as Tommy T. Stargell of Uniontown, and took him into custody after he tripped and fell.
Holland said that Thomas Collier of Masontown told police that he called 911 after he observed two people trying to enter his home by pushing in an air-conditioning unit.
Collier told police that he told his girlfriend to go into the bathroom and lock the door, and then he heard glass breaking and several gunshots, Holland said.
Stargell told police that he and Epps went to the home because they believed that there were drugs and cash inside and intended to steal it, Holland said.
He told investigators that he was supposed to get any money inside the home and Epps was going to take any drugs he found inside.
Holland said that Stargell told police that Epps broke into the home and then let him in the front door.
Stargell also told police that Epps fired two rounds from a handgun while inside the residence, Holland said.
No one was injured.
Last month Stargell waived charges of burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to commit theft and Epps was additionally charged with carrying a firearm without a license and recklessly endangering another person to Fayette County Court.
Stargell is 16 years old, but was charged as an adult for his alleged role in the incident.