Uniontown man charged in burglary
A Uniontown man is facing multiple charges after police allege he broke into a store in Uniontown that he frequents and stole cigarettes.
City police Officer Jennifer Field said George Sidney Rhome, 52, who resides at Rest Haven Personal Care Home on South Mount Vernon Avenue, was charged before Magisterial District Judge Joseph M. George Jr. with burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and criminal mischief following the break-in on Saturday.
Field said that Rhome, whom store employees at Value Tobacco on Fayette Street described as a regular customer, broke into the business some time after 9 p.m. and stole cigarettes and also was captured on video surveillance returning to the business three additional times to steal more items.
Rhome smashed a window in the front of the store to gain access to the building and then proceeded to steal items from shelves inside the business.
Field said Rhome was clearly visible on store surveillance cameras and made no attempt to hide his identity.
Additionally, Field said officers found blood on the broken window and blood throughout the store.
During his subsequent trips into the store, Rhome stole additional items and also attempted to clean up blood from various areas inside the store and to replace the glass in the broken window, Field said.
When police responded to the personal care home, which is in walking distance of the tobacco store, Field said officers found a variety of items stolen from the business as well as bloody cigarette packs and pieces of broken glass.
She noted that Rhome also had a laceration on his inner right thigh consistent with climbing through the broken window.
He was taken into custody without incident.
George placed Rhome in Fayette County Prison on $10,000 straight cash bond.
Rhome will face a preliminary hearing at a later date before Magisterial District Judge Michael M. Metros.