EMLENTON, Pa. (EYT) — New details have emerged following the August 31 robbery at the Emlenton IGA.

(Photo courtesy of Bill Rupert)

According to a criminal complaint, around 5:00 p.m. on August 31, the IGA Store in Emlenton reported a robbery.

Clerk Foils Attempt to Take Money

The clerk said a man, later identified as James Allen Tarleton, Jr., 61, Oil City, allegedly came into the store and gave her a bag and said he wanted her to give him all the money in the cash register, then placed his hand inside his shirt and pointed something at her and said “now,” the complaint states.

When the clerk opened the drawer, Tarleton allegedly reached into the drawer for the money, and the clerk slammed the register drawer shut and yelled for help, prompting Tarleton to leave the store without obtaining any money, the complaint indicates.

Tarleton was allegedly spotted by another man who was getting gas, who witnessed Tarleton get into a red van and yell to the driver “go, go” as the van left the store parking lot. The witness was able to obtain the van’s license plate information, the complaint continues.

Suspect Arrested at Hirsch’s Meats in Kossuth

According to the complaint, around 5:29 p.m., the same van was observed by Knox Borough Police Officer Cody Webster.

Sources say this led to the arrest of Tarleton at Hirsch’s Meats in Kossuth.

An employee of Hirsch’s Meats told exploreClarion.com a woman entered the store while Tarleton waited in a van.

The employee said the woman purchased a single bag of M&M’s, and by the time she exited the store, police had arrived on the scene, placing both the woman and Tarleton in handcuffs.

According to the employee, at the same time, the woman was in the store to purchase M&M’s, a fellow employee brought in a rifle to show to another customer who was interested in purchasing the firearm. The employee said they believe the sight of the gun may have deterred any further action by the suspect at the Hirsch’s Meats store.

Interviews, Security Footage Confirm Suspect

According to the complaint, police interviewed the woman, who said she drove the van to the IGA store, parked, and waited while Tarleton went inside, then watched him quickly come out of the store, get into the car, and said to her “go, go, go.”

Store security video allegedly shows the crime being committed by a man fitting Tarleton’s description, the complaint indicates.

Police interviewed Tarleton, who allegedly admitted he went to the IGA store and attempted the robbery, saying he asked for money from the store clerk but left without any money, the complaint states.

Tarleton allegedly told police he did not have a gun in his possession at the time of the robbery, the complaint continues.

According to online court documents, Tarleton was arraigned at 10:30 p.m. on August 31 before District Judge Michael Snyder.

He faces the following charges:

• Robbery with threat of immediate and serious injury — Felony 1
• Criminal attempt of robbery with threat of immediate and serious injury — Felony 1

Unable to post $50,000.00 cash bail, he was lodged in the Venango County Jail.

A preliminary hearing has been set for 8:30 a.m. on September 9 in Venango County Central Court.