A Butler man is accused of stealing cigarettes from the behind the counter of a business and throwing them at customers, according to police.

Sean Michael Stettmier, 55, was charged with robbery following a Sunday, Aug. 10, incident on West Jefferson Street.

Police said they were called to a business in the area for reports of a man assaulting staff. Police said Stettmier entered the store, pushed passed the employee working the counter and grabbed multiple packs of cigarettes.

Police said Stettmier began throwing the items at customers in the store before an employee grabbed him and told him to leave. Police said Stettmier then grabbed the employee by the throat and began choking him.

Police said the employee then removed Stettmier from the store. When police were looking for him, they received reports of a man screaming and causing a disturbance at the residence where Stettmier lives, according to the affidavit.

Police located Stettmier and took him into custody without incident.

Stettmier is being held in Butler County Prison on a $10,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Aug. 18 before District Judge William Fullerton.