Machete wielding gas station robbery leads to arrest in Pennsylvania
ROSTRAVER TOWNSHIP, PA — A Pennsylvania man accused of robbing a gas station while wearing a pink ski mask and brandishing a machete allegedly confessed after detectives recognized the distinctive shoes he was wearing nearly two weeks later, police said.
The robbery occurred just after midnight on July 9 at the Marathon gas station on Route 51 in Rostraver Township.
According to police, a store employee called 911 while hiding inside the kitchen of the Little Caesars located within the gas station. The caller reported that two men fled in a black vehicle on Route 51 and that one of them was armed with a machete.
Investigators said two white men entered the store and approached the register before one suspect jumped over the counter, waved a machete and demanded money.
The clerk handed over the cash drawer containing approximately $116 before the suspects fled.
Police said one suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a pink ski mask and white-and-blue flannel pants. The second suspect wore a red hooded sweatshirt, dark shorts and a clown-style mask.
During the investigation, detectives learned the same suspects had attempted to rob a BP gas station on Route 51 shortly before the Marathon robbery. Surveillance video showed the men wearing the same distinctive clothing and shoes, but the robbery was unsuccessful because the business was closed.
On July 20, detectives conducting a follow-up investigation in Elizabeth Borough spotted a man they believed matched one of the suspects seen in the surveillance footage. Police said the man was wearing the same distinctive pair of Nike tennis shoes captured on video.
The suspect was identified as Benjamin Probst of Elizabeth.
According to investigators, Probst admitted his role in the robbery during an interview with detectives.
Probst has been charged with robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and simple assault.
Police have not announced whether the second suspect has been identified or arrested.
As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Probst is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Police said a machete-wielding suspect robbed a Route 51 gas station of about $116.
- Detectives identified one suspect after recognizing distinctive shoes from surveillance footage.
- Benjamin Probst is charged with robbery, theft, receiving stolen property and simple assault.
