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2 charged, 1 sought in city robbery probe

One suspected robber is jailed and a second one is free on bail on charges they stole several hundred dollars from a 55-year-old man at his Butler apartment early Friday morning.

Meanwhile, city police said a third suspect is being sought in the same robbery around midnight.

James T. Matuke III, 22, of Butler and William Leonard Cox, 24, of Pittsburgh were arrested shortly after the alleged victim came to the police station to report being robbed.

The victim claimed Matuke, Cox and an unidentified black man came to his apartment. After a “brief discussion,” according to a police report, Cox reached into the accuser’s pocket and took his wallet and cell phone

The man told police the wallet had $500.

Officers arrested Matuke about an hour after the robbery was reported.

Police said Cox returned to the man’s apartment about 3 a.m. to confront him about calling police. Cox allegedly returned $20 and the cell phone to the man.

Officers spotted Cox shortly before 6 a.m. on North Washington Street He ran and an officer had to use a Taser to subdue him, the police report said.

Matuke and Cox were arraigned on charges of robbery, conspiracy and theft. Cox also is charged with intimidation of a victim, resisting arrest and criminal mischief.

Cox remains in the Butler County Prison on $25,000 bail. Matuke was released Saturday after posting a similar bail.

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