09 October 2023- A case of underage retail theft could have turned deadly if not for the quick thinking of a PSP Trooper in McConnellsburg this weekend. Troopers arrested Samuel Ian Deshong III on charged of felony attempt to cause aggravated assault against an officer, felony evading arrest on foot, misdemeanor resisting arrest, summary retail theft, and summary purchase of alcohol by a minor. Deshong failed to post bail of $50,000.
PSP Troopers were called to the Giant grocery story on South Second Street in McConnellsburg around 3:15pm on Sunday, October 8th for a reported retail theft. Troopers are staff believed the man was underage, which was later confirmed during booking.
When police arrived they found the man, now known to be Samuel Deshong, and questioned him about what he was doing. Staring at him and not saying a word, police then asked Deshong to put his hands behind his back. It was at this point Deshong allegedly tried to flee. One PSP Trooper managed to get in front of him and stop him from leaving, which continued into a scuffle on the floor.
While on the ground, Trooper Tristin Deneen noticed Deshong had a knife in a sheath on his hip. The Trooper quickly grabbed the knife and removed it from the situation. While Deshong and the Trooper continued to struggle, Deshong allegedly tried to pull away from the latter and reached for the sheath where his knife was previously located. After announcing that he would be tased if he didn’t comply, Deshong was finally handcuffed and taken into custody.
All tolled, Deshong was allegedly found in possession of a four pack of Iron Hill Brewery beer valued at $13.99, a traingood Cook thermo valued at $9.59, and a trainlighter valued valued at $5.99. Deshong is currently 20 years of age and thus cannot purchase alcohol.
Samuel Deshong III is behind bars on $50,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is set for today after being arraigned yesterday.
Sources: Docket Number: MJ-39402-CR-0000093-2023, Incident No.: PA 2023-1319057
