YORK COUNTY, Pa. – A quick ending to a one man crime spree over the weekend. A locked cash register prevented the suspect, who claimed to have a bomb, from robbing a clothing store. Undeterred he walks out and robs the sandwich restaurant next door.
Spring Garden Township Police responded at about 11:35 am Sunday for a report of an attempted robbery at Chico’s clothing store at 1722 South Queen Street. Minutes later they were advised of a holdup alarm for the Subway, next door to Chico’s at 1720 South Queen Street.
An investigation revealed that the suspect, later identified as 49 year old William Hogue, had walked into Chico’s and announced to a store employee, “I have a bomb, give me the money from the register.” The store employee told Hogue that the register was locked and that she did not have the key. Hogue left the store empty handed.
Hogue then walked next door to Subway, approached a employee and reportedly said, “I have a bomb, this is a robbery give me all your $50’s and $20’s.” The employee handed over some cash from the register. Hogue then left walking north on South Queen Street.
Within minutes of both incidents, responding officers located Hogue in the area of Niles and Rathon Roads. He was taken into custody without incident. He was unarmed and did not possess any explosives.
Charges against Hogue include Robbery, Attempted Robbery, Theft by Unlawful Taking and Receiving Stolen Property.
Hogue is being held at York County Prison, in lieu of $50,000 bail on the robbery charges and on a parole violation. He also has three outstanding warrants out of Lancaster County.
