DUBOIS – A local man is wanted for the alleged attack of a DuBois Burger King employee during the early-morning hours Tuesday.
Around 1 a.m., Sandy Township police were dispatched to the restaurant where an employee had been “attacked” by 59-year-old Richard W. Smeal of DuBois
Police say Smeal physically assaulted the victim with his closed fists and with what was later determined to possibly be an airsoft gun.
It reportedly happened as the victim was entering her vehicle and Smeal approached her wearing a black mask with a “skull teeth” design.
He allegedly demanded she give him her purse containing the night deposit from the restaurant. The victim refused and a struggle ensued.
After severely injuring the victim, police say the suspect fled (without the night deposit) when another vehicle entered the lot.
Smeal fled to Midway Drive where his accomplice, 53-year-old John R. Lentz Jr., was waiting in a vehicle.
The two then managed to elude police, but Lentz was taken into custody Tuesday morning at his home in Penfield.
Lentz faces charges of robbery, theft by unlawful taking and fleeing or attempting to elude an officer. Currently he’s in county jail unable to post $150,000 bail.
A felony arrest warrant has been issued for Smeal on charges including robbery, theft by unlawful taking, simple assault, terroristic threats and receiving stolen property.
He’s described by police as being a Caucasian male who stands 5 feet, 5 inches tall and who weighs approximately 145 pounds.
He also has blue eyes, a red/gray beard and thinning (possibly longer) red/brown hair.
Smeal is believed to be dangerous, and police advise to not approach him.
Anyone with information regarding Smeal’s whereabouts is urged to contact police through Clearfield County Dispatch at 814-765-1533 or 911.