Suspect in Indiana County smoke shop robbery arrested

A Saltsburg man faces multiple criminal charges in connection with a commercial robbery at a Burrell Township business.

Pennsylvania State Police Troop A arrested Robert Joseph Corson Jr., 29, at his home on Nov. 7.

His arrest followed an investigation into a robbery that occurred Friday, Nov. 6, at Royal Smoke, located at 857 Route 22 Highway West. A knife was brandished during the incident.

Troopers received a tip indicating a vehicle associated with the robbery was parked in Saltsburg Borough and that its owner lived in a nearby apartment. Although troopers didn’t locate the vehicle, they encountered Corson at his residence.

Investigators said Corson initially gave a false name, but was eventually arrested on outstanding warrants. He was identified in the Royal Smoke robbery after further interviews.

Corson was charged with a felony count of robbery, misdemeanor counts of receiving stolen property, possessing instruments of crime and false identification to law enforcement authorities, along with a summary count of retail theft.

Magisterial District Judge Anthony Sottile III arraigned Corson on Nov. 8. He was sent to the Indiana County Jail after failing to post $50,000 cash bail.

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