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Police: Getaway driver leaves girlfriend behind during robbery

BRIDGEVILLE, Pa. — Police arrested a Canonsburg woman earlier this month after her boyfriend left her during an attempted robbery.

Investigators said Joshua Patragas, 32, of Washington was supposed to be 33-year-old Jonna Swisher’s getaway driver while they robbed a Bridgeville Rite Aid on March 1.

Investigators said Patragas and Swisher are accused of stealing about $300 worth of DVDs, video games and toys.

According to police, officers were called to the Washington Avenue Rite Aid when store employees said they saw Swisher put the items in her purse. Authorities arrived before she could leave the store, but when Patragas, who was in the car, saw police cars pull into the parking lot, detectives said he left.

Officers arrested Swisher at the store and charged her with retail theft and criminal conspiracy. Swisher told police where to find Patragas, and he was arrested a short time later and also charged with retail theft and criminal conspiracy.

Detectives said Swisher told them they have stolen like this before to support a drug habit.