Site last updated: Friday, March 29, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

3 men jailed after attack

Playground site of altercation

Three man are jailed on allegations that they beat a man at a city playground and took his phone, watch, cash and shorts.

The Monday morning robbery allegedly occurred at the Christie Avenue playground, where investigators found the victim, Joseph Wollam, around 1 a.m. Wollam, according to court records, was taken by ambulance to Butler Memorial Hospital where he was treated for injuries to his face and head described as serious.

He told investigators that three men in a small, dark sedan had driven him to the playground, then told him to leave the vehicle. Once out, Wollam said the men questioned him about money.

When Wollam said he didn’t have any money, one of the men hit him in the back of his head. Then, all three men began kicking and punching him.

The attackers, according to court records, removed the victim’s $300 watch and his shorts, which contained a cellular telephone and $80, according to court records.

Court records say the three suspects were apprehended at 2:36 a.m. following a traffic stop on Center Avenue.

Court records allege the suspects’ vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, was speeding. And police later determined the driver, 22-year-old Andrew J. Hoy of 42 Old Plank Road, did not have a license.

Court records say during the traffic stop, the police officer questioned the men about the smell of marijuana, and one of the passengers, 21-year-old Michael L. Hutchinson of 530 Franklin St., retrieved a small bag of marijuana from under his seat. When asked to leave the vehicle, police noted what was described as a large amount of fresh blood on Hutchinson’s shorts, according to court records.

Hutchinson said the blood came from an earlier confrontation.

But another passenger, 19-year-old John L. Chandler of 323 Hazel Ave., told police that he, Hutchinson and Hoy had “rolled a guy at the playground.”

He allegedly told the officer that all three men struck Wollam but that he wasn’t certain who took the victim’s property. However, he said the threesome split up the cash afterward and he got $6.

The trio was taken back to the police station, where Hoy reportedly gave a different account.

Hoy, according to court records, told investigators that the men knew Wollam and agreed to give him a ride. When they got to the playground, a physical altercation broke out. And Hoy claimed he broke up the fight.

Hutchinson, when interviewed at the police station, told police that he confronted Wollam about a previous incident involving a female friend. Hutchinson said he became irate, snapped, and began punching and kicking Wollam.

Chandler, when at the police station, refused to give a statement, according to court records.

All three men are charged with robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault and theft.

Hoy faces additional charges of driving without a license and speeding.

Hutchinson faces an additional charge of possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Hoy and Hutchinson are jailed on $100,000 bail each. Chandler’s bail is set at $50,000. All three were arraigned Monday by District Judge B.T. Fullerton.

More in Local News

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS