Trash bag-wearing suspect in Lower Southampton gas station robbery surrenders himself
Update: Feasterville resident Jonathan Nelson turned himself into authorities on Friday and was released on unsecured bail following arraignment. His attorney, Paul Mallis, said he is "strongly" taking issue with how his client was identified as a suspect. "We've taken the matter seriously and we look forward to clearing his name of all these charges," Mallis added.
Lower Southampton police have identified a former resident who allegedly wrapped himself in plastic garbage bags before robbing a local gas station last year.
Authorities last month issued an arrest warrant for Jonathan Nelson, 30, after identifying him as the person who robbed a Sunoco gas station off Street Road on Jan. 22, 2021.
He remains out of police custody, and authorities are asking for the public's help in apprehending him.
Police allege Nelson entered the store, forced a clerk into the restroom and demanded cigarettes and cash. He was last seen running east on Street Road, toward Philmont Avenue with an undetermined amount of cash and Newport-brand cigarettes.
His unusual attempt to conceal his identity earned him the nickname "Cash-Squatch of Feasterville" in a snarky post about the crime appearing on the Bucks County Crimewatch website.
In addition to a gray face mask, winter gloves and an olive-green winter coat, Nelson covered his face, lower torso, legs and feet with white, vanilla-scented trash bags, police said.
"If you know somebody that appears to love smoking Newport cigarettes and all of a sudden seems to have an endless supply, and smells really good, give us a call," the original 2021 Crimewatch post read.
Nelson was a suspect early on, but he refused to cooperate with police, Lower Southampton Chief Ted Krimmel said. He was confirmed as a suspect through DNA evidence collected at the scene, Krimmel added.
Nelson faces felony charges of robbery, theft by unlawful taking, receiving stolen property and misdemeanor charges for false imprisonment and unlawful restraint.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Former Lower Southampton man wanted for robbing store dressed as trash
