NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. (EYT) — Police have released additional details regarding a Saturday morning crime spree that involved a machete robbery at a gas station and a vehicle crashing through a beer distributor, according to a criminal complaint.
Southern Clarion County Regional Police filed the following charges against 48-year-old William Michael Dickun III, of Mayport, on February 7 in Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller’s office:
- Robbery — Threat Immediate Serious Injury, Felony 1
- Burglary – Not Adapted for Overnight Accommodation, Person Present, Felony 1
- Criminal Trespass — Break Into Structure, Felony 2
- Make Repairs/Sell/Etc Offensive Weapon, Misdemeanor 1
- Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2
- Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
- Theft By Unlawful Taking — Movable Property, Misdemeanor 2
- Receiving Stolen Property, Misdemeanor 2
The investigation began at approximately 9:22 a.m. February 7 at the Unimart on Broad Street in New Bethlehem.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, Dickun banged on the glass front door of the gas station with a machete. The weapon had a blade estimated between 14 and 16 inches long.
Dickun entered the store and brandished the weapon in front of an employee, the complaint said. Police say he asked the employee, “did I scare you?”
The employee fled to the rear of the store and locked herself in a restroom, according to the affidavit. Surveillance video shows Dickun stole approximately four packs of cigarettes before fleeing the store, the complaint said.
Within 20 minutes, Dickun drove his vehicle through a closed garage door at Key Beverage on Broad Street, according to police. The business was not open at the time.
The complaint said Dickun took a case of Budweiser and a case of Yuengling beer. When an employee approached him, Dickun backed up his silver 2008 Jeep Liberty and drove through a second closed garage door at the rear of the building to escape. He then fled the scene.
Officers identified Dickun using surveillance footage and vehicle registration records.
Dickun was arraigned on February 7 before Magisterial District Judge Jarah Lee Heeter, who set bail at $250,000, according to court records. Dickun is currently in Clarion County Jail after being unable to post that amount.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, at 11:30 a.m. with Judge Heeter presiding.
