CHERRYTREE TWP., Pa. (EYT) — A 45-year-old man who asked for a ride to Oil City brandishes a knife and attempts to rob the driver in Cherrytree Township, Venango County.

According to Franklin-based State Police, the incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. on Monday, August 20, as the victim — a 27-year-old Spartansburg man — was at a Titusville bar. Prior to leaving the bar, the victim had mentioned to another patron that he was going towards Oil City. Before the victim left the bar, this unknown male patron asked the victim for a ride back to Oil City, and the victim agreed.

As the victim was traveling southbound on State Route 8 in Cherrytree Township, Venango County, the man brandished a knife and demanded money from him. The victim then informed the man that he had no money on him. After being threatened with bodily injury with the knife, the victim told the man that he would stop at the Country Fair in Oil City and get some money for him.

Once they arrived at the Country Fair, the victim and the man exited the vehicle. The victim managed to get back into his vehicle and lock the doors before the man could get back inside. The man beat on the side of the vehicle and stabbed the rear passenger window. The victim was able to drive away, then he called 9-1-1.

Through the course of the investigation, evidence was discovered which positively identified 45-year-old Thomas Peeples, of Titusville, as the perpetrator, and he was taken into custody on August 22.

He was arraigned at 3:30 p.m. on August 22 in Magisterial District Judge Andrew F. Fish’s office on the following charges:

– Robbery-Threat Immediate Serious Injury, Felony 1
– Terroristic Threats W/Intent To Terrorize Another, Misdemeanor 1
– Unlawful Restraint/Serious Bodily Injury, Misdemeanor 1
– Simple Assault, Misdemeanor 2
– Criminal Mischief-Damage Property, Misdemeanor 3

Bail was denied as the court states Peeples is a threat to society.

He is lodged in the Venango County Jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on August 29 with Judge Fish presiding.