Breakneck Market robbery suspect arraigned
A robbery suspect who was tackled by a Breakneck Market cashier’s husband and dubbed “the courteous gunman” was arraigned this week.
State police issued an arrest warrant for Max Wylie Driscoll, 28, of Connellsville on March 1. He was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Ronald Haggerty Jr. on Wednesday afternoon and lodged in Fayette County Prison.
Police said Driscoll approached cashier Lacey Stoots in the Bullskin Township Market on Jan. 22, saying, “I don’t want to be a (expletive), I just want some bills,” according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in his case.
She told police she could see a handgun in his pocket and began unloading the register. He told her to stop, saying, “That’s enough,” according to the affidavit.
Stoots’ husband, David Stoots, stopped by with their children for a visit that evening and saw the activity from outside. He tackled the man, and the two scuffled until Driscoll allegedly pointed the gun at Stoots’ head and threatened to shoot him.
A friend of Driscoll told police he and another man were driving around that morning smoking crack cocaine. He said Driscoll did not have money, and he had to give him some drugs. He told police it is common for Driscoll to need money and ask for drugs, according to court documents.
Police said Driscoll asked the other man for a gun, and received a black pellet gun.
Later that night, Driscoll called the friend and said he was stranded on Breakneck Road and needed a ride. Driscoll allegedly told him he robbed Gilmore’s, the former name of the market. He told police he drove Driscoll to a friend’s house, and a family member later picked him up.
Driscoll is charged with robbery, theft, recklessly endangering another person, and two counts each of terroristic threats and simple assault.
He is free after a $30,000 bond was posted on his behalf. His preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday before Magisterial District Judge Michael Metros.