Sligo Man Facing Robbery Charge for Snatching Lawnmower Keys

Aly Delp

Aly Delp

Published August 18, 2019 4:23 am
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police-day-timePINEY TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A Sligo man is facing charges following an incident where he allegedly snatched the keys out of a woman’s lawnmower and pitched them into high weeds.

Court documents indicate the Clarion-based State Police filed criminal charges against 73-year-old Thomas R. Burns Jr.

According to a criminal complaint, around 4:27 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, Clarion-based State Police received a call from a known victim concerning an incident with Thomas R. Burns Jr. at her residence in Piney Township, Clarion County.

According to the complaint, the victim reported she was mowing her yard when Burns confronted her, approaching and telling her to stop mowing.

At that time, Burns allegedly said to the victim “It’s not yours, it’s all mine, all (expletive) mine,” and then reached in, hit the break on the mower, grabbed the steering wheel, and then grabbed the key.

Burns then attempted to walk away with the key to the mower, according to the complaint.

The complaint notes the victim’s husband confronted Burns, and Burns then threw the key into a high grassy area. The victim’s husband was unable to locate the key following the incident due to the vegetation in the area it was thrown.

Burns was arraigned in front of Magisterial District Judge Jeffrey C. Miller at 8:30 p.m. on August 11.

He faces the following charges:

– Robbery-Take Property From Other by Force, Felony 3
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
– Harassment — Communicate Lewd, Threatening, Etc. Language, Misdemeanor 3
– Theft By Unlawful Taking-Movable Property, Misdemeanor 3

Unable to post $5,000.00 monetary bail, he was lodged in the Clarion County Jail.

He was released on Monday, August 12, on a cash security posted by a private surety.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, with Judge Miller presiding.

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