According to authorities, police suspect that a man from western New York who allegedly used a knife to rob a Dollar General store near Pleasant Gap on Friday night may be connected to multiple similar crimes in two states.
Brian Baritot, aged 40, was apprehended by Spring Township, Bellefonte, and state police following a pursuit in a vehicle, as detailed in a Facebook post by the township police.
At around 7:15 p.m. on Friday, employees at the store located at 586 E. College Ave. in Spring Township reported a robbery at knifepoint. The suspect’s description and his vehicle were provided to the officers, who were able to locate Baritot in a church parking lot in Centre Hall at approximately 7:30 p.m., according to the police.
The post stated that Baritot crashed on the 200 block of Harrison Road in Pleasant Gap after a vehicle pursuit ensued.
According to the post, Baritot was tased by the police when he failed to comply with their orders. The authorities discovered currency scattered throughout his vehicle and a knife in the center console during a search.
Police discovered that Baritot, who was apprehended, is sought after or considered a suspect in various criminal activities. These include a bank robbery in New York, as well as multiple burglaries and robberies that have taken place at Dollar Generals in both New York and Pennsylvania.
According to court records, the individual in Centre County is facing several charges. These include felony counts of armed robbery, fleeing law enforcement, and making terroristic threats. Additionally, there are misdemeanor charges of possessing an instrument of crime, resisting arrest, and accidents involving damage. Summary counts of careless driving and reckless driving are also included in the charges.
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Baritot appeared in court on Saturday morning before District Judge Kelley Gillette-Walker, who refused to grant him bail. Currently, he is being held at the Centre County Correctional Facility.
The preliminary hearing has been set for December 4th.