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Mercer man faces robbery charge in sausage incident

It went from bad to “wurst” for an alleged shoplifter who tried to make off with a package of sausage at a Butler supermarket.

The suspected shoplifting Tuesday night turned into a robbery, Butler police said, when the would-be meat thief tussled with two employees and a customer who thwarted the getaway at the Friedman's store on West Brady Street.

Andrew Woods, 20, of Mercer Township is being held in the Butler County Prison on $30,000 bail.

Police were called to the store shortly before 9 p.m. after Woods was spotted trying to make off with a package of Italian sausages and a pack of split-top rolls, according to court documents.

Store manager James Kane grabbed the suspect who made a run for the door. Moments later, police said, employee Kathy Watterson and good Samaritan Randy Schuller stepped in to help.

Stopping the alleged crime, however, came at a cost.

Police said Kane suffered pain and bruising to his right hand and arm, Watterson ended up with an injured left middle finger, and Schuller complained of pain to his left arm.

Because of his alleged actions, Woods turned the summary shoplifting charge into a felony robbery charge.

Police in charging documents noted the sausage and rolls were valued at a combined $8.38.

Woods preliminary hearing is set for June 26.

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