Homepage > Pittsburgh News

Ligonier Bank Violently Robbed; Store Shooting May Be Diversion

FBI Looks At Possible Link To New Ken Bank Robbery

POSTED: 12:12 pm EDT August 6, 2008
UPDATED: 6:33 pm EDT August 6, 2008

Police are investigating a violent robbery at First Commonwealth Bank in Ligonier Township, along with a possible diversionary shooting at a nearby store.

The hold-up at the bank on Route 30 happened at about 9:28 a.m. Wednesday. Police said the robbers yelled profanities and ordered everyone to lie down, then forced an employee to open the bank's vault and pistol-whipped him.

The robbers were described as four black males who wore motorcycle or paintball helmets.

Just minutes before the robbery, gunshots were fired outside a Dollar General store on South Fairfield Street. Store windows were hit, leaving bullet holes in the glass, but nobody was hurt.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that the shots were fired by the robbers -- or perhaps some accomplices -- to draw attention away from the bank.

A similar scenario unfolded in New Kensington on April 3, when police responded to a shooting at a convenience store while armed robbers wearing suits and straw hats stole large bags full of cash from a National City Bank.

The robbers acted violently in the April case, similar to the Wednesday robbery.

FBI Agent David Hedges said a possible connection between the two cases is being investigated.

Previous Story:


Related Links:
Links We Like
Don’t believe everything people tell you about home improvement. Check out the top 4 myths and stop throwing away your money. More

If you have aspirations of becoming a millionaire, check out these five habits that may be worth emulating. More

Eating breakfast is good for you, but eating a healthy breakfast is even better. Get the scoop on which breakfast foods are the most nutritious. More

You’ve heard of certain foods that can help you prevent cancer and even halt the spread of the disease. Find out if these anti-cancer foods really work. More

Shop Your Insurance

Save Up To 30% On Insurance
Paying too much for insurance? Get quotes from multiple companies and choose the best plan for you.
Start saving now!
Insurance Type:


Zip Code:


Sponsored Links