13-02-2025
‘I am sorry to do this,' Johnstown man accused of robbing store
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Johnstown man is facing charges after he allegedly robbed a store by telling the clerk that 'if she cooperated then he wouldn't hurt her.'
Eli Zasadni, 48, is being charged after he allegedly robbed a store on Scalp Avenue by brandishing a knife at a clerk, according to a criminal complaint. On Feb. 1, officers from the Richland Township Police Department were contacted by the store who said that a white male had stolen money from them.
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According to the affidavit, the clerk reported that the robber was around 6'1,' was wearing all black, and was seen traveling east on foot. They also reported that not much of his face was visible. The clerk added that the male said, 'I am sorry to do this,' before he pulled a knife on her and told her to give her all the money she had.
Officers obtained video footage of the incident. Two days after the incident a woman called the police department and said that she believed that Zasadni was the one who committed the robbery. She stated that they had gotten into a fight and he returned the next day with $1,700, stating that he had gotten paid for a job.
The woman told officers that she saw the Facebook post about the robbery suspect and recognized Zasadni as the man. When she questioned him, he also allegedly admitted to the theft.
Police noted in the complaint that they were able to get photos of Zasadni and found 'his physical characteristics closely resembled that of the suspect.'
Zasadni is facing felony charges of robbery threat of serious injury, receiving stolen property and theft by unlawful taking and misdemeanor charges of possession of a weapon and simple assault. He's in the Cambria County Prison with bail set at 10% of $100,000.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 19.
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