Robbery suspect told officers he was just joking around

BUTLER TOWNSHIP. Pa. — A Butler County man is accused of trying to rob someone with a BB gun, then telling police he was just joking around.

Keel Welch, 30, told police he was just being funny when he showed a gun to a person loading groceries in the parking lot of the Butler Township Walmart. Officers aren’t laughing.

“He went up to the guy, opened his jacket and asked him if he knew anything about guns,” said John Hayes, Butler Township police chief.

The victim said no, and that’s when Welch allegedly told the man to give him all of his money and started patting him down, Hayes said. Welch then realized the victim had no money.

The victim called 911, and when officers arrived they found Welch sitting in his car, still in the parking lot. Inside, they saw four guns.

Detectives said all the guns were BB guns. Police said Welch told them it was all a misunderstanding, he thought he knew the man and was trying to be funny.

“We didn’t believe his story,” Hayes said. “It’s not a joking matter.”

Hayes is now in jail charged with attempted robbery, simple assault, terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and harassment.

Cox Media Group