BUTLER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Police say they have a suspect in custody Thursday afternoon after an armed robbery at an auto repair shop on Wednesday.
Kline Township Police have identified the suspect as 21-year-old Chase Lynn Abbit, currently homeless, but originally from Los Angeles, California.
Butler Township have charged Abbit with receiving stolen property, firearms not to be carried without a license and use/possession of a small amount of marijuana.
According to police, Abbit was found in Butler Township after allegedly robbing the auto repair shop JF Enterprises in Schuylkill County.
Man accused of threatening Special Olympics participants with hammer
Police say the proprietor of the business was struck in the head, and the Abbit then removed a gun and cash from the owner's pockets.
21-year-old Chase Lynn Abbit is now in custody after a strong arm robbery that happened in Kline Township, Schuylkill County.
28/22 News reporter Joe Mason has more on this case.
The robbery happening around 4:40 p.m. Wednesday afternoon.
28/22 News received information just a few hours ago that Abbit is now in custody here in Butler Township.
According to police, Abbit, targeted JF Enterprises at 951 Mile Hill Road in Kline Township.
Owner Joe Forish was struck in the head.
This comes after Abbit and Forish got into an argument over the suspect using an electrical outlet without permission.
Investigators say, after striking Forish, Abbit took a firearm and cash from his pockets and ran into the woods north of the scene.
Abbit is now in custody in Butler Township, Luzerne County, thanks to a concerned resident.
"He saw social media postings of the suspect and his photograph. Our officer and backup officers responded over and found the individual who was subsequently found to be carrying the stolen firearm and made statements regarding that he had been involved in a robbery," stated Police Chief William Feissner, Butler Township.
Robert Wesner owns iMoJ Pools and Hardware Supplies.
Being a business owner too, he says it makes him worried.
"It can happen at any time, and it happened right in the middle of the day. So, it wasn't like late at night or something like that. So, it's definitely kind of scary," voiced Wesner.
Wesner says he's known Forish for years.
"He's a great guy, I mean I take all my cars there to get mechanic work done and everything and he's a good guy. I take care of his pool, his swimming pool at his house. It was shocking to hear," added Wesner.
James lives half a mile away with his four kids. He says he worries for their wellbeing.
"This is a big community to have kids. That it happened right after the school day. Usually, the kids go to the park. They walk on 309 usually. It's dangerous because anything could've happened after the robbery," speculated James, McAdoo resident.
28/22 News spoke with Kline Township Police. They say Joe Forish is hospitalized in the ICU.
"I'm praying that the owner is alright. I met him once, he fixed my car once. So, I'm hoping that his family, his loved ones and he's doing ok," said James.
"Worried about him and worried about me and my family here," added James.
More charges are expected in Schuylkill County.
We'll be sure to update you when more information becomes available to us on this case.
