Vandergrift police accused a man of slapping his former girlfriend in the face and stealing her debit card and vehicle when she refused to give him $50.
Ramon Juan Sims Jr., 26, formerly of Lincoln Avenue in Springdale but now homeless, was charged with a felony count of robbery along with counts of simple assault, receiving stolen property, theft and harassment.
Sims, who had a bench warrant out of Westmoreland County when he was arrested, faces a preliminary hearing before District Judge Cheryl Peck Yakopec on April 11, according to court records.
Police wrote in a criminal complaint charging Sims that officers responded Feb. 24 to a home in the 100 block of 15th Street for a report of an assault and violation of a protection from abuse order.
A woman told police she had a PFA against Sims valid through March 22, but he went to her house and asked for $50, the complaint said.
The woman said Sims smacked her across the face and grabbed her around the neck from behind, but she was able to fight him off, the complaint said.
Police said the woman had marks on her face and neck and took photographs of her injuries.
The woman told police that Sims stole her debit card, took her car keys and drove off in her 2019 Nissan sedan, the complaint said.
While police were questioning the woman about the incident, Sims sent several text messages in which he used obscene language and told her he was returning to her house, the complaint said.
