Former worker robbery suspect
SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — The Slippery Rock man accused of robbing the Subway shop on Main Street Wednesday night wore a mask.
However, store workers told authorities they still recognized Terrence James Mack, 24, because he was a former co-worker.
According to the affidavit, two employees at the store during the robbery, which occurred about 6 p.m., recognized Mack by his voice. They also told police that he wore a black hooded coat and a gray-colored ski mask.
Mack allegedly demanded the store's money box with an object with a yellow-and-black handle sticking out of his coat pocket.
The affidavit states Mack then fled followed by one of the workers.
According to the affidavit, “she followed him out the door and as he went across the rear parking lot, he removed his ski mask and she positively identified him as Terrence “T.J.” Mack. Mack then climbed into the passenger side of his green colored Geo sedan, which she recognized.”
Borough police officer Jake Ingram responded to the 6:11 p.m. 911 call, catching up with the car on New Castle Street.
The driver was identified as Robert Leroy Coburn, 32, also of Slippery Rock.
The affidavit states police found Mack in the passenger seat wearing a black hooded jacket with cash totaling $297 as well as a yellow-and-black framing hammer, a gray ski mask and a black steel money box on the passenger side floor board.
Mack refused to answer any questions, but Coburn acquiesced.
The affidavit states Coburn told police he met Mack, who asked Coburn to drive him into the borough and park on Cornish Drive at the rear of the Subway shop.
According to the affidavit, “Coburn stated that Mack exited the vehicle and then returned a short period of time later and was yelling to him to 'Drive!'”
The affidavit states Coburn admitted he did not have a driver's license and is taking multiple prescription medications.According to Ingram's narrative in the criminal complaint, “At this point, I could clearly see that Coburn's pupils appeared constricted and his eyes were jerky.”Coburn subsequently underwent drug testing.Police Chief Terry Fedokovitz said praised the store employees. “I'd give these employees credit. I wish a lot of people were that observant.”Fedokovitz also lauded Ingram's work.Mack is charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking, disorderly conduct, prohibited act (possession of a controlled substance), robbery — inflict serious bodily injury, possession of instrument of crime with intent and conspiracy to commit robbery — inflict serious bodily injury.Coburn was charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery — inflict serious bodily injury, conspiracy to commit theft by unlawful taking, conspiracy to commit simple assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit disorderly conduct and conspiracy to possess an instrument of crime with intent.Mack is in Butler County Prison in lieu of $50,000 cash surety bond. Coburn is in the prison in lieu of $5,000 bond.Their preliminary hearing before District Judge Bill O'Donnell is scheduled for Wednesday.
