Knifepoint Robber Captured In Upper Merion: Police

UPPER MERION, PA — An Arizona man has been arrested after multiple knifepoint robberies around Upper Merion, police said.

Jonathan Hemberger, 51, of Phoenix, faces numerous charges.

The first incident occured on Thursday, June 13 at around 2:24 p.m. at the PNC Bank on 107 E. DeKalb Pike.

Hemberger approached the victim as she left the ATM outside of the bank, police said. He brought out a knife and demanded the money she had just withdrawn.

After taking the cash Hemberger fled the scene.

The next day, June 14, at around 1:25 p.m., Hemberger struck again at the AAA- Mid Atlantic building on 197 E. Dekalb Pike, just down the road from the bank.

Again, Hemberger approached his victim while she was in the parking lot, holding out a knife and demanding her purse, police said.

After taking the purse, Hemberger ran away across the parking lot, according to authorities.

Neither robbery victim was injured during the incidents.

Upper Merion officers on patrol spotted Hemberger sitting in a small Toyota Yaris behind the Subway in the same shopping center a short time later, police said. Hemberger was taken into custody without further incident.

Bail was set at $500,000 and he was booked at Montgomery County Correctional Facility. A preliminary hearing is forthcoming.