Two men were arraigned Monday in connection with an armed robbery in Southwest Greensburg and an incident during a related search for the suspect in Greensburg, according to police.
Southwest Greensburg police were called around 10:20 p.m. Sunday to an Oakland Street apartment where two residents reported a man wearing a ski mask broke in and pointed a handgun at them before taking an e-bike, according to court papers. The residents identified the robber as William Owen Altman, 19, of Jeannette, police said.
Greensburg officers learned Altman may be staying at a South Pennsylvania Avenue apartment. As they attempted to apprehend him, three other people ran out of the building, trying to flee, police said. Authorities reported finding Altman, the black ski mask, handgun and stolen e-bike inside the home.
While police were searching inside the South Pennsylvania Avenue apartment, Greensburg police said, Brent Alexander Smetanka, 19, of Greensburg, started yelling at officers who were outside with him. He appeared intoxicated and was put in the back of a patrol car. As two city officers tried to talk to him, Smetanka spit on both of them, according to court papers.
Altman is charged with robbery, theft and related offenses. His bail was set at $50,000 and a May 14 preliminary hearing is set. Smetanka is charged with assault of a law enforcement officer and related offenses. His bail was set at $25,000 and a May 15 preliminary hearing is set.
Both men are being held at the Westmoreland County Prison. Neither had attorneys listed in online court records.
