Castle Shannon man charged with robbery, theft
A Castle Shannon man was arrested March 31 by South Strabane Township police on charges including robbery and retail theft after he allegedly dragged a store loss prevention officer when confronted about allegedly stealing razor blades and other merchandise.
Michael Thomas Relihan, 34, also was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Township police were called about 11:30 a.m. to Walmart, Trinity Point, for a report of a retail theft. Police received information the alleged thief was fleeing in a tan Chevrolet Malibu. Officer Carmine Molinaro stopped the car and saw the stolen merchandise on the front passenger seat.
One of the loss prevention officers told Molinaro she saw Relihan looking at the most expensive razor and razor heads.
He grabbed those items and then went to the toothbrush aisle, grabbing the most expensive toothbrush before leaving the store.
Another loss prevention officer approached him, identifying herself and grabbing the arm of his jacket. Relihan started to run, dragging the loss prevention officer to the ground.
She sustained cuts on her leg and ripped her pants.
Relihan told police it was the first time he had stolen from Walmart. The stolen items were valued at more than $500. Relihan also was banned from the store.
He was arraigned by video before District Judge Jay Weller and placed in Washington County jail on $50,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for April 14 before Weller.