Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Minersville Police Nab Three Suspects in $9,000 Robbery, Search for Fourth Continues

Minersville Police have made three arrests and are still looking for one more suspect in the robbery of the General Store.

According to Minersville Borough Police Chief Jeffrey Bowers and court documents, on Monday evening, around 10:00pm, borough police were dispatched to the Minersville General Store on North Second Street for a theft.

Officers arrived on scene and learned the store had just been robbed by three individuals that brandished handguns and fled with cash and merchandise.

It would be learned that the suspects stole $9,000 in cash, along with tobacco products and merchandise.

Upon reviewing surveillance video of the robbery from the store, police began to search nearby for the suspects.

Patrolman Eric Wilson would find three males approximately two blocks away that began to flee on foot as soon as they saw him.

A foot chase ensued until Ptlm. Wilson lost sight of them.

Minersville Police used their Facebook page late Monday to ask the public for help.

With the help of information from the community, Minersville Police would be able to identify the suspects involved as 20-year-old Adan Twigg of Pottsville, 18-year-old Edward Martinez of Pottsville, 17-year-old Za'ir Alvarez of Pottsville, and 23-year old Shynir Termain Jeffcoat of Port Carbon.  Police Chief Bowers also reports that Alvarez will be charged as an adult.

Through surveillance and interviews, borough officers Ptlm. Kavanaugh and Ptlm. Walsh were able to take Twigg, Alvarez, and Martinez into custody.  

All three were arraigned late Tuesday by Magisterial District Judge Dave Plachko on charges of committing and conspiring to commit robbery, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and aggravated assault.

All three were locked up in Schuylkill County Prison on $150,000 straight cash bail.

As of Wednesday afternoon, police were still looking to arrest Jeffcoat.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact law enforcement.

The Minersville Police Department was assisted on scene and the subsequent investigation by the Port Carbon Police Department and the Blythe Township Police Department.

Police Chief Bowers stated "This was a complete department investigation. Everyone played a role and with the assistance of the Port Carbon PD and Blythe Township PD, we were able to have arrests made and three of the four suspects in custody within 24 hours from the burglary. As a result, four dangerous individuals were taken off the street and our community is safer".

"Being able to clear an armed robbery with the arrests of four subjects within 24 hours in quite remarkable and is a testament to the quality of the police work that's being done locally.  This investigation demonstrates how much can be accomplished when neighboring municipalities join forces and help each other out. The Port Carbon PD and Blythe Township PD have both been invaluable assets in assisting our department and we in turn assist them whenever we can. We have a great working environment. Chief Ferraro and I have worked together for over twenty years and have accomplished many great things" Chief Bowers added.

Minersville Police also thanked the public for their assistance.

WANTED - Shynir Termain Jeffcoat


IN CUSTODY - Edward Martinez

IN CUSTODY - Za'ir Alvarez,

IN CUSTODY - Adan Twigg