A 74-year-old man who was ambushed when he opened his business on Monday in Fayette County was able to grab a shotgun and shoot one of the two assailants, despite being beaten with a bat and stung by a stun gun.
State police said Stanley Tabaj of Connellsville was jumped at Toby Recycling on Elm Grove Road in Dunbar. Troopers said Sean Henry Garland, 20, of Ruffsdale, and Nathan Scott Smith, 18, of Scottdale, lay in wait for Mr. Tabaj, and when he opened the door to the business, they attacked him.
But Mr. Tabaj grabbed a shotgun he keeps at the business and fired at Mr. Smith, who was struck in the head.
The two attackers then jumped in their car and sped off, but Mr. Smith was arrested after an ambulance was dispatched to a house in Dawson for a shooting victim. State police arrested Mr. Garland later.
Both are charged with robbery, aggravated assault and other charges. Mr. Garland was being held in the Fayette County Prison in lieu of $75,000 bond. Mr. Smith was being treated at UPMC Presbyterian and will be arraigned after his release.
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