Police nab suspect in mall robbery
A Uniontown man wanted for allegedly robbing a business in South Union Township in August has been captured.
State police Trooper Jason Hatalsky said Clifford F. Armel III, 28, was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Joseph M. George Jr. on charges of robbery, two counts of disorderly conduct, retail theft and harassment.
Hatalsky said the charges were filed on Aug. 11 after Armel loaded more than $1,200 worth of merchandise in a bag while inside the JC Penney department store at Uniontown Mall.
Hatalsky said that after filling the bag, Armel ran from the store and then tried to flee the parking lot in a car.
A store loss prevention officer chased Armel and grabbed the bag of items from him as he was getting into the car.
However, Hatalsky said Armel pushed the officer to the ground, grabbed the bag, and then fled the scene in the car.
Police were able to identify Armel as the suspect through additional interviews, Hatalsky said.
George placed Armel in Fayette County Prison on $25,000 straight cash bond.
He will face a preliminary hearing at a later date before George.