More charges have been filed against a man who allegedly assaulted a woman and stole a car in Blairsville as part of a crime spree.
State police say that because of their continued investigation, 36-year-old Michael Aaron Whitfield of Greensburg now faces charges of felony burglary, criminal trespass, and theft by unlawful taking along with misdemeanor criminal mischief and theft. The charges were filed Thursday before District Judge Kelly Hammers.
Troopers say that between 6:15 and 7:55 AM on July 12th, Whitfield allegedly approached Lee’s Ice Cream along Route 217 and tried to open a window to get inside. In that same timeframe, he allegedly broke into the Kettle Dad’s BBQ food trailer, also along Route 217. A dollar was taken out of the tip jar, but he damaged the door, the cash register and a credit card reader. He also took a truck that was unlocked and had the keys in it. Video surveillance helped state troopers identify Whitfield. He was apprehended on July 13th in Georgia, still driving the stolen truck.
Before the incidents in Derry, Whitfield reportedly slashed a woman at Keeper of the Flame in Blairsville and stole her SUV. A nine-year-old was in the vehicle at the time, but was able to bail out. He will have a preliminary hearing before District Judge Robert Bell Sr. on October 11th on these charges, and one on the new charges on October 25th.
Comments