Monday, August 26, 2024

Minersville Man Arrested for Robbery of Juvenile in Pottsville Parking Garage


A Minersville man is locked up in Schuylkill County Prison for a robbery in Pottsville.

According to Pottsville Police, on August 21st, 2024, around 12:50pm, police units were dispatched to the Capitol Parking Garage located at East Race Street and North Progress Avenue for a report of an armed robbery. 

The caller, a 13-year-old juvenile male, stated he was held at gunpoint in the parking garage by another male who tried to take his property.

Officers arrived in the area and spoke with the victim about the incident. He reported walking in the area and seeing a light skinned male that seemed to be following him so he attempted to get out of his sight by entering the Capitol Parking Garage. After entering the garage, the male suspect approached the victim with his hand in a small black bag and began to search him while portraying himself as if he was holding a firearm in the bag. After the male searched the victim, he took custody of the victim's cell phone but later returned it then ran away toward Progress Avenue.

Police reviewed security camera footage in the area and observed a male matching a physical and clothing description provided by the victim. The male suspect was positively identified as Carlos Arroyo-Serrano, 26, of Minersville. 

More security camera footage was reviewed and it corroborated the victim’s account of the events.

Arroyo-Serrano was later located and taken into custody. He later admitted to approaching the victim to collect $40 that he believed was owed to him. When asked about placing his hand in the black bag and portraying it as if he had a firearm, he told Police "I didn't know if he had something on him" and wanted the victim to believe he was armed with a hand gun. 

Arroyo-Serrano also admitted to taking momentary custody of the victim’s cell phone during the encounter. He said he would have taken money from the victim, but he did not have any at the time.

A Criminal Complaint was completed by Ptlm. Delinko on Arroyo-Serrano, charging him with Robbery -Threaten of Serious Bodily Injury (F1), Robbery - Take Possession of Property (F3), Simple Assault by Physical Menace (M2), and Attempted Theft (M3). 

Arroyo-Serrano was arraigned by Magisterial District Judge James Reiley and bail was set at $25,000 straight cash

Due to not being able to post bail, Arroyo-Serrano was then transported to the Schuylkill County Prison where he is currently locked up waiting for a preliminary hearing.