NEW STANTON, Pa. — Authorities said an employee at a New Stanton motel is facing charges after conspiring with an accomplice and staging a robbery that netted about $2,000.
According to police, the employee called 911 and reported that a man with a knife robbed the Howard Johnson motel.
Troopers responded to the scene and the state police helicopter was sent to the area to look for the suspect.
Eventually, the employee, Joshua Hershberger, confessed that the robbery was staged.
Pennsylvania State Trooper Steve Limani said there was surveillance video from the motel that clearly showed the robbery was a hoax.
The video shows a woman and two men in the motel lobby. The woman, who was seated at a computer, suddenly said, “Get out. Get out. Go home.”
The guest left and Hershberger and his accomplice, frequent motel guest Haley Nichols, carried out their plan, police said.
Surveillance video showed the pair moving to an area of the motel where there were no cameras.
Nichols then said, “Give me all your money. Hurry up. Don’t make me stab you.”
Hershberger responded, “I’m coming. I’m coming. Don’t hurt me.”
Police said the two continued the staged robbery for several minutes before Hershberger called 911.
Hershberger is no longer an employee of the Howard Johnson as a result of the hoax.
Police are also seeking restitution for the manpower and helicopter time used in this investigation.
WPXI
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