Duo charged in Connellsville robberies
A man and woman are facing charges for armed robberies reported in Connellsville last week.
William M. Strickler, 38, is charged with committing robberies Thursday and Kimberly Dawn Ross, 35, of Connellsville is charged with conspiracy.
Four robberies and one attempted robbery was reported in the area last week. The two are charged in the incidents reported Thursday. Strickler was arrested Sunday, and police issued a warrant for Ross’ arrest.
Connellsville police said they received a report at about 8:15 p.m. Thursday that a man was attempting to rob the Sunoco gas station on McCormick Avenue. Police then received reports that a man brandishing a handgun robbed Vona’s Dairy Bar on East Crawford Avenue. The descriptions of the suspect matched, police said. Strickler allegedly stole about $180.
Police officer Michael Stokes wrote in the affidavit of probable cause that he saw the man flee the store and get into the passenger side of a Ford Focus. The vehicle initially began to slow, and then fled, according to Stokes.
Police said the vehicle stopped, and Strickler allegedly fled on foot down North Prospect Street. K-9 units from Uniontown and Perryopolis recovered clothing and a revolver-style BB gun from the area, according to the affidavit.
Ross, who is the registered owner of the vehicle, told police she allowed her boyfriend, Strickler, that she let him use her car to buy tobacco.
Police obtained search warrants for a phone, which allegedly revealed conversations between the two saying they were “sick as hell” and were “needing to find cash.”
Strickler is charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted robbery, theft, aggravated assault, resisting arrest and two counts of simple assault. He is lodged in Fayette County Prison in lieu of a $75,000 bond.
Ross is charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit robbery, two counts of conspiracy to commit recklessly endangering another person, conspiracy to commit aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit simple assault, conspiracy to commit theft, disorderly conduct and fleeing or attempting to elude officers. A warrant was issued for her arrest.