Items taken from pair of stores
BUTLER TWP — An alleged robber used a syringe full of an unknown liquid in a holdup try at a tobacco store Monday afternoon at the Greater Butler Mart, police said.
The woman allegedly made off with several packs of cigarettes before fleeing in a suspected accomplice's getaway car.
Butler Township police suspect that the same women had shoplifted merchandise earlier in the day from the Dollar General store at the same shopping plaza.
Penn Township police later found the vehicle at the Dollar General store on Route 8 where the suspects — Tara C. Purcell, 40, of Pittsburgh and Crystal R. Hayes, 41, of Homestead, Allegheny County — were arrested.
Both defendants face charges in the Butler Township incidents and remain in the Butler County Prison.
But authorities said the women are also being eyed in other possible shopping incidents earlier Monday in Cranberry Township.
Butler Township Police Chief John Hays said investigators believe Purcell and Hayes struck first around 4:20 p.m. at the Dollar General, stuffing clothing, cosmetics and food items into a reusable bag before leaving without paying for the merchandise.
The alleged crime was captured on surveillance video, according to a police report.
The pair's next target, minutes later, police said, was the Puff N Snuff. Purcell entered the store and demanded money from the cash register, police said. She also displayed the loaded syringe to the clerk.
But the clerk apparently refused to turn over any money, Hays said.
Purcell allegedly left with only cigarettes. Police said Hayes was waiting for Purcell in a car. They are accused of driving away after the robbery.
Penn Township police heard the radio chatter from Butler Township police and it wasn't long before they noticed the suspect's vehicle at the Dollar General on Route 8.Officers blocked in the car and found Purcell and Hayes in the vicinity of the store. Butler Township police were notified and they arrived to arrest the women.Hays said police found a loaded syringe in the car's center console.Police also found new merchandise, allegedly shoplifted, in the car that Hayes owns. She was taken to Butler Memorial Hospital to be checked out after complaining of stomach pain.Both woman were booked into the prison around 10 p.m. Monday to await arraignment Tuesday morning.Purcell is charged with robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possessing an instrument of crime, simple assault, theft, conspiracy to commit theft, retail theft, receiving stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.Hayes is charged with conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to commit theft, retail theft, receiving stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia and disorderly conduct.
