Teens Tried to Rob Woman on Greenway, Police Say

By Tom Coombe

Bethlehem police say two teenagers used CO2 pistols to try to rob a woman along a city walking trail Wednesday afternoon.

Court records say William Carrasco Jr. and Daunee Wheeler, both 16 and from Bethlehem, will be charged as adults for the attempted mugging, which happened around 4:51 p.m. Wednesday on the South Bethlehem Greenway walking path north of Evans Street.

According to police, the two boys, both wearing masks, demanded money from a woman, who was able to escape and flag down an officer.

While she was talking to police, Carrasco and Wheeler walked by, and the woman identified them as the robbers, court records say. The woman also recognized Carrasco's voice.

Court records say Wheeler admitted to the robbery plan while in custody. He said his role was to choke the woman if she resisted.

Wheeler, of the 500 block of Ontario Street, is charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery and conspiracy.
 
Carrasco, of the 600 block of Evans Street and the alleged gunman, is charged with criminal attempt to commit robbery, conspiracy, reckless endangerment, simple assault, and possession of an instrument of crime.

Both teens were arraigned before on-duty District Judge Daniel Corpora and jailed after failing to post $20,000 bail.