Man arrested for armed robbery in West Chester

A man was arrested for allegedly robbing $236 from Edie’s Sweets and Savory Pantries.

On Monday, Aug. 6, shortly after 6:30 a.m., West Chester Police responded to Edie’s Sweets and Savory Pantries located at 136 East Market Street for a reported robbery. The owner told police she opened her store and an African-American male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, with a dark complexion, entered the store, approached the counter and handed her a note that read: “This is a hold up. I will kill.”

The suspect then left the store with $236. West Chester Detectives investigated that robbery and following the investigation, William Daryl Watson, 49, of West Chester, was arrested in connection with the robbery.

In the eyes of the law, it is considered an armed robbery even if the suspect just made the person think there was a weapon, like putting a hand in a jacket pocket indicating there is a gun, or giving a note that threatens violence.

Watson was taken into custody at his place of employment; arraigned before a magistrate, and his bail was set at $100,000 cash. Watson was then transported to Chester County Prison.

Police reports from across the region:

WEST CHESTER

On Aug. 5, West Chester Police Department officers were dispatched to a report of a single-vehicle crash involving a tree. Officers made contact with the vehicle in the 800 block of West Miner Street. The vehicle was unoccupied. The driver was found at state Route 842 and Allerton Road. He was identified as Joshua Dean Potter, 22,, of Nottingham. Through an investigation, officers determined that Potter was driving under the influence of alcohol. Potter was processed and released on summons.

WESTTOWN-EAST GOSHEN

On Saturday, Aug. 4, officers were dispatched to the Giant Food Store, located at 1393 Dilworthtown Crossing in Thornbury Township for a retail theft in progress. The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Jason Andrew Miller, was seen exiting the store with a shopping cart full of unpaid grocery items. In all, 214 items were taken totaling over $1,900 in merchandise. Miller was subsequently taken into custody by responding officers and arraigned.

On Aug. 8, at noon, police were dispatched to the Giant Food Store, 1393 Dilworthtown Crossing in Thornbury Township, Chester County for a retail theft report. The suspect removed 10 containers of baby formula without paying. Officers were able to identify that suspect as Gary Joseph Yannuzzi of Chadds Ford. On Aug. 9, an arrest warrant was issued and Yannuzzi was later taken into custody without incident.

After an investigation was conducted, it was determined that Alyssa Davies, 29, of Wayne, was responsible for over $5,000 in fraudulent returns and issuing credits and refunds to herself on Aug. 1 at Pier One Imports.

SOUTHERN CHESTER COUNTY REGIONAL

Otilio EscalanteVelasquez, 24, of Toughkenamon was arrested and charged with DUI and related traffic offenses, after he was observed operating his 2004 Honda on the wrong side of the roadway and swerving across both lanes of travel. The incident occurred on July 10 at 10:57 p.m., in the 100 block of Pine Street, in New Garden Township. Upon making contact with EscalanteVelasquez, police observed indicators suggesting intoxication and field sobriety tests confirmed impairment.

A 15-year-old juvenile male was arrested and charged with simple assault, and related offenses, following a domestic dispute that occurred on July 11, in the 1500 block of Baltimore Pike, in New Garden Township. During an argument, the juvenile is accused of becoming aggressive with family members and is alleged to have thrown a plastic ball at a 5-year-old female, striking her in the face. He then allegedly tripped the child as she walked past him crying, causing her to fall. Police observed redness to the child’s face and witnesses corroborated what was reported.

William Daryl Watson