Tracy Leturgey

State police in Butler County are asking for help locating a man who, within the span of four days, was charged with theft, burglary, robbery and aggravated assault in three separate cases.

Ryan Williams, 44, may be armed and recommends members of the public don’t approach him, according to a Monday news release from Trooper Josh Black of Troop D. The state police in Butler requested the public’s assistance in locating Williams.

If seen, the news releases asks the public contact 911 or state police at 724-284-8100.

Williams was placed in Butler County Prison in lieu of a $10,000 bond Thursday on theft charges, but, apparently, later released. State police filed two more cases against him Monday.

According to charging documents, the first incident involving Williams occurred in Washington Township on Dec. 3.

Police said around 5 a.m., Williams and a female entered a residence through a locked door. The homeowner was in the living room.

Williams reportedly picked up a hunting knife and held it toward the homeowner while making demands, threatening to cut the homeowner’s fingers off. Police said Williams then attempted to restrain the homeowner with bed sheets.

Williams went about the entire residence and stole a Remington 870 pump action, 12-gauge shotgun, according to documents.

Based on a previous criminal history, police said Williams is not allowed to possess a firearm.

For this incident, Williams was charged Dec. 19 with felonies burglary, theft, robbery and possessing a firearm and misdemeanors simple assault and terroristic threats.

Charges were also filed against Williams from an incident Dec. 14 in which police received an anonymous tip about a stolen vehicle at his home.

Officers responded to the tip at Williams’ residence in Marion Township to find a 2019 Dodge Ram. Williams told police he was keeping the van until his employer paid him money she owed him on a paycheck.

Williams was charged with felony theft for the incident.

Lastly, an incident on Dec. 18 resulted in charges felony aggravated assault and intimidating a witness, misdemeanor reckless endangerment and summaries harassment and disorderly conduct.

State police said they were contacted at 4 a.m. for a report of shots fired in Concord Township. The homeowner from the burglary incident regarding Williams reported that a dark sedan approached the address and parked.

When gunshots were heard outside, the homeowner said Williams and another unknown male was pointing the gun at the house and shooting toward the residence. The homeowner told police he thought Williams was retaliating after the previous crime had been reported.

Police said two sets of footprints were found in the snow near the residence and Route 38, and a 12-gauge shotgun shell was discovered on the road.

Williams is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing before District Judge Lewis Stoughton Dec. 27 for the vehicle theft case.

This article was updated Dec. 20, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. to reflect that Williams is being sought by police.