Two Farrell men detain robbery suspect

SHARON, Pa. — Two Farrell men stopped a robber from leaving the Rite Aid Pharmacy in the Sharon City Centre. Police said the men saw Charles Simpson, 58, of Taylor Avenue leaving the store at 5:50 p.m. Sunday and disarmed and detained him until police arrived.

Police said Simpson, wearing a ski mask, went into the store and lifted his shirt, showing the butt of a handgun. Police later determined it was a BB gun. He then demanded money, police said. Simpson was handcuffed and forced to the ground after his arrest Sunday but tried to run as police questioned the two men who detained him.

Simpson is charged with robbery, theft, aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats and escape.

Police said they are investigating whether there is any connection to a robbery Saturday at the Family Dollar in the same plaza. Police said a man in a ski mask with a gun forced his way into the store at 8 a.m. and demanded money. He then told the clerk to run to the back of the store before taking money and leaving, police said. Simpson is being held at the Mercer County Jail after failing to post $10,000 bond.