JEANNETTE, Pa. — A Jeannette man will serve up to 30 years in prison for carjacking a West Leechburg woman parked in front of the Westmoreland County Prison as her 13-month-old grandson was in the vehicle, which later crashed two miles from the lockup.
Thomas Lee Williams, 38, formerly of Philadelphia, pleaded guilty Wednesday to kidnapping, robbery, aggravated assault and other offenses in connection with the car theft that police said occurred Dec. 4, 2018, just minutes after he was released from the Hempfield lockup, according to our news partners at TribLive.
Police said Williams walked from the prison to a car parked in front of the facility. Inside the vehicle was 65-year-old Dorothy Pearlman of West Leechburg and her grandson, who was asleep in a rear car seat. Pearlman’s daughter-in-law was inside the jail visiting her husband, who was an inmate.
According to police, Williams opened the car door, hit Pearlman several times in the face, back and shoulders before he removed her from the vehicle and sped off with the baby.
Police found the crashed vehicle in Youngwood.
In court Wednesday, Williams apologized for his actions.
“I would like the victim to know I am very remorseful for this situation. That wasn’t the person I am, and I hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive me,” Williams said.
You can read the full story online at TribLive.com
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