BARKEYVILLE, Pa. (EYT) — A 23-year-old man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly assaulted a victim and attempted to steal his car in Barkeyville Borough.
According to online court documents, Franklin-based State Police filed criminal charges against 23-year-old Tan Cao Nguyen, of Randolph, Massachusetts.
According to a criminal complaint, around 9:29 a.m. on January 14, Officer Hagan, of PSP Franklin, was dispatched to a service station on State Route 8 in Barkeyville Borough for a suspect who had attacked a man as he was attempting to get into his vehicle. While enroute, Officer Hagan was informed that the suspect had fled the scene on foot.
The complaint states that upon arrival, Officer Hagan located the suspect in a fast food parking lot across from the subject service station and took him in custody. He was identified as Tan C. Nguyen.
Details of the Incident
According to the complaint, a witness — a 60-year-old man at the scene — observed the suspect traveling west on Interstate 80 prior to the incident in a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a Massachusetts’ registration. The witness and the suspect both got off I-80 at the Barkeyville exit and processed to a gas station.
According to the witness, upon arrival at the gas station, Nguyen exited the Jeep and pulled on the door handle of another vehicle in the gas station’s parking lot. Nguyen was unable to get in the vehicle. The witness continued to watch him as he entered the store and walked around. The witness observed Nguyen exit the store and enter into an altercation with a known, 51-year-old man. The witness continued to follow Nguyen until Officer Hagan arrived. The witness positively identified Nguyen after he was taken into custody, according to the complaint.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee — bearing a Massachusetts registration — was found to be reported as stolen on January 14, 2017, and the theft was confirmed by the Randolph Police Department in Massachusetts.
While on the scene, Officer Hagan also spoke with the assaulted victim. It was learned that Nguyen followed the victim out of the gas station and to his vehicle, a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan bearing a Pennsylvania registration. When the victim reached his vehicle, Nguyen then allegedly took a swing at him. The victim was able to avoid being struck. Nguyen then began to allegedly pursue the victim for a short distance on foot and then eventually fled on foot, the complaint continues.
Nguyen Arraigned, Jailed, Awaiting Preliminary Hearing
Based on the investigation, Nguyen was arraigned at 1:15 p.m. on January 14 in front of Magisterial District Judge Andrew F. Fish.
He faces the following charges:
- Criminal Attempt — Robbery Of Motor Vehicle, Felony 1
- Receiving Stolen Property, Felony 3
- Criminal Attempt — Theft By Unlawful Taking-Movable Property, Felony 3
- Stalking — Repeatedly Commit Acts To Cause Fear, Misdemeanor 1
- Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
- Unauthorized Use Motor/Other Vehicles, Misdemeanor 2
- Criminal Mischief — Damage Property, Misdemeanor 3
- Harassment — Subject Other to Physical Contact, Summary
- Harassment — Follow In Public Place
Unable to post $150,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Venango County Jail.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on January 25 in Venango County Central Court.
For more Venango County news, visit exploreVenango.com.
