Huntingdon Co., PA (WJAC) — State police in Huntingdon County have filed charges against a Robertsdale man following an investigation into an attempted robbery at a convenience store in Orbisonia over five years ago.
Troopers say on March 19, 2018, police were dispatched to the Martin's General Store, located along Ridgley Street, for a report of an attempted robbery.
According to the affidavit, police say an unknown man had entered the store and was "acting very odd," according to witnesses.
Investigators say the man picked up a bottle of brake fluid, a pack of Starbursts, an air freshener and a cup of coffee.
Police say he then placed the items on the counter and allegedly asked the clerk for $200,
Authorities say the clerk explained that she thought that he was asking for "cash back" and stated that she did not have that much money in the register.
Police say he then asked the clerk for a pack of cigarettes.
Investigators say, according to the clerk, the man then stated that he forget his wallet and reportedly walked out of the store with the candy and the air freshener.
Police say the clerk then noticed a hand written note on the bottle of brake fluid that stated, "be silent, I want $400 cash now or I will kill you."
Investigators say the clerk then locked the door to keep the man from returning to the store.
Upon further investigation, police say they submitted the lid of the coffee cup for DNA testing, after learning that the man had taken a few sips from the cup while inside the store.
Police say last July, authorities were able to match the DNA from the cup to 36-year-old Dustin Shope.
Troopers noted that Shope is currently incarcerated at SCI Houtzdale for unrelated charges.
Police say when they questioned Shope about the attempted robbery, he reportedly claimed that he did not remember the incident.
According to online court records, Shope faces charges of attempted robbery, retail theft and making terroristic threats.
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