A Butler man allegedly threatened his potential employer with a pocket knife over a wallet.

Richard J. Russell, 23, was charged by city police with two felonies, robbery and attempted robbery stemming from a June 21 incident.Russell was arraigned June 21 by District Judge Wayne Seibel, who placed him in Butler County Prison on $75,000 bail.According to charging documents, police were called to speak with a man who claimed Russell, who was going by “RJ,” tried to rob him at knife point.“(The accuser) stated he picked this RJ up to have him work for him, and RJ needed to stop at his sister's house to get clothes,” said the investigating officer in the affidavit.The accuser told police when they stopped, Russell walked around to the driver's side window and asked if he had change for a $10 bill. When the man said no, Russell began punching him in the head while trying to take his wallet.“(The accuser) stated RJ then pulled a knife and said, 'Let go of the wallet or I'll stab you,'” police said. “A black pocket knife, which was open, was found in (the accuser's) vehicle on the driver's side floor.”Police said a witness also said they saw Russell punching the man through the window. Police later found Russell at his home and took him to the police station for an interview.“Russell admitted to being picked up, going to Virginia Avenue and punching (the accuser),” police said. “Russell denied threatening (the man) with a pocket knife.”A preliminary hearing for Russell has been scheduled for June 28 before District Judge William Fullerton.

Richard Russell