New charges filed in Connellsville-area robbery spree
An alleged serial robber and his getaway driver are facing new charges from state police.
William Milton Strickler, 38, and Kimberly Dawn Ross, 35, both of Connellsville were charged Wednesday morning for a robbery in Dunbar Township Jan. 24.
Four armed robberies and an attempted robbery was reported between Jan. 22 and Jan. 26, when Strickler was arrested. The duo was charged last week for allegedly attempting to rob Sunoco on McCormick Avenue and robbing Vona蘑菇视频 Dairy Bar on East Crawford Avenue.
State police allege Strickler robbed the BFS gas station at about 6:45 p.m. Jan. 24. Police said he demanded money and tapped a black revolver on the counter, yelling 鈥淗urry, hurry, hurry鈥� to the employee. He allegedly held out his hand and said 鈥淕ive me the money鈥� before fleeing with $315, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed in his case.
Police conducted a search warrant at Ross鈥� South Arch Street residence and found a black Adidas hoodie matching the BFS robbery, a dark blue bandana matching the BFS and other robberies and white and red gloves matching three robberies, according to court documents.
Strickler admitted to police he robbed BFS, adding he met Ross in a Ford Focus afterward. He said they used the money to buy heroin, according to police. A search warrant conducted on a cell phone revealed a conversation between Ross and Strickler talking about being sick and needing money.
The two were charged after an officer responding to the attempted robbery spotted a man, later identified as Strickler, fleeing Vona蘑菇视频 Dairy Bar and jumping into a Ford Focus, which fled police. Strickler later allegedly got out of the vehicle and fled on foot. Police dogs recovered a revolver-style BB gun and clothing.聽
Both are charged with robbery, theft, simple assault, and conspiracy to commit each.
They are awaiting arraignment on the new charges. Strickler is lodged in Fayette County Prison in lieu of a $75,000 bond set in the first case.