Men Face Multiple Charges After Retail Theft Escalates To Threat In Warrington

WARRINGTON, PA — Two Philadelphia men are facing numerous charges following a retail theft that escalated into a threatening encounter in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart store.

The incident began on Tuesday when police said Mark Alexander, 38, asked an employee to see a Nintendo Switch, which was in a secured display case. Police said Alexander then distracted the employee while Joel Long, 43, concealed the gaming console, valued at $528.94 and left the store without paying.

When Long was confronted in the parking lot by a store employee, police said Long pulled a knife from his pocket and held it while speaking with employees.

Officers later located Alexander near a bus stop, where he provided a false name before being placed under arrest.

Long returned to the same area a short time later and was also taken into custody. Police recovered the stolen Nintendo Switch along with clothing Long had allegedly discarded nearby.

Both men were processed and arraigned, with bail set at $1 million (10 percent cash) for Long and $250,000 (10 percent cash) for Alexander.

Both suspects had warrants for their arrests from Philadelphia.

Long has been charged with robbery, retail theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit retail theft, terroristic threats, and harassment.

Alexander has been charged with robbery, retail theft, receiving stolen property, harassment, providing false identification, and terroristic threats.