They are accused of using gun to steal cigarettes, money
Three teens have been arrested and charged with robbery, aggravated assault, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property, simple assault, and weapons offenses, Downingtown Police said. On March 25, Harry S. Thomas, 19, of Terre Hill, Gordon D. Styer, 18, of Downingtown, and a male juvenile, 17, also from Downingtown, allegedly entered a residence in the 400 block of Garfield Avenue, where Thomas displayed a gun and took cigarettes and money from two victims, police said. When one of the victims yelled for the police to be called, the three subjects fled the residence, police said.
Police said the 17-year-old, Jeffrey R. Crouse Jr., is being charged as an adult. The three were apprehended and arraigned after an investigation that involved obtaining search warrants and seizing two illegally possessed guns, police said. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16. “Det. [Paul] Trautmann did a fantastic job, and we were able to take two handguns off the street that were possessed illegally by someone under 21,” Police Chief James R. McGowan said. “Anytime we can get illegal weapons off the streets it’s a good thing.”
On Thursday, April 10, at 10:20 p.m. Roberto Louis Vargas-Manning, 31 of Downingtown, was arrested for DUI and traffic violations after officers observed him operating a vehicle with front end damage that was dragging on the highway in the 100 block of Jefferson Avenue, Downingtown Police said. After making contact with Vargas-Manning, police said he exhibited signs of intoxication. When asked about the damage to his vehicle, Vargas-Manning stated he struck a pole in the 100 block of West Lancaster Avenue, police said.
William Gallagher, 48, of West Chester, was arrested for DUI, possession of marijuana, and traffic violations following a traffic stop on Saturday, April 5, at 11:30 p.m. in the area of Beech Street and East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown Police said. Gallagher was detained after he was observed exiting a one-way street in the wrong direction, police said. While speaking with Gallagher, police detected a strong odor of alcohol, and after his arrest, a search produced a small clear bag of marijuana in his jacket pocket, police said.
On Sunday, April 6, at 1:53 a.m., Michael R. Gaasche, 39, of Downingtown was cited for public drunkenness, police said. Gaasche attempted to enter Minquas Fire Company in the 100 block of Wallace Avenue but was so visibly intoxicated that he was unable to stand without assistance, police said.
