MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After an unsuccessful tussle with his potential victims, a Monongalia County robbery suspect had to be treated for injuries before being taken to jail.
Todd M. Houston, 27 of Morgantown, has been charged with first degree robbery accused of trying to rob the Little General Store in downtown Morgantown Monday.
“From the crime scene that was described to me this morning by the off-going shift was that they crashed over some of the display racks,” explained Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston. “And, that’s going to leave a pretty big bruise.”
A passerby on Willey Street noticed a store clerk with hands in the air and the suspect inside the store around 1:20 a.m. While calling 911, the passerby also returned to the store.
“It’s commendable somebody sees something happening and calls 911 and is a good witness. This is above and beyond. We don’t recommend it, but you got to recognize it,” the chief said.
Houston had allegedly wrapped his hand and arm to make it appear he was armed, but police and the victims later learned he did not have a weapon.
“As he couldn’t get out the door, he got distracted. So, the citizen runs in and grabs him and the clerk grabs him. They get a wrestling match on the floor. And he’s taken into custody. And, they had him nice and subdued by the time we got there,” described Preston.
Houston was treated at WVU Hospital for minor injuries before his arraignment.
The investigation continues. Anyone with any information can contact the Morgantown Detective Division at (304) 284-7522