A persistently alarming Tuesday pre-dawn at an Aldi store in North Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County, turned into a crime scene when Angel Ortega-Yanez, 32, allegedly used a hammer to damage a police vehicle and was subsequently taken into custody, stated the Westmoreland County District Attorney's Office. The incident, which concluded with the window of a cruiser being smashed, forced police to chase down the suspect after he reportedly robbed the grocery store.
The series of events that led to Ortega-Yanez's arrest began around 2 a.m., when police responded to the activated alarms at Aldi on Norwin Avenue. Authorities encountered Ortega-Yanez fleeing the scene. During the pursuit, he struck a police cruiser with a hammer, shattering the windshield, according to WPXI. Despite the commotion, officers successfully apprehended him.
Investigative efforts revealed that Ortega-Yanez purportedly used a pry bar and hammer to gain entry into the store by breaking the front doors. Further damage was caused when he broke through an office window inside the store. He was accused of stealing two cash boxes containing nearly $800, which were later retrieved and returned to Aldi, detailed WTAE.
Ortega-Yanez now faces a swath of charges, including burglary, criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, theft, receiving stolen property, and more. His bond was denied, resulting from his lack of a known address.
