Bystanders catch knife-wielding man during Portage robbery, police say

PORTAGE – Bystanders disarmed a knife-wielding Cresson man when he allegedly tried to break into a woman's vehicle in Portage Borough Aug. 29, authorities said.

State police in Ebensburg charged Robert Ross Bebout, 26, of the 200 block of Laurel Avenue, with robbery, aggravated assault, criminal trespass, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.

According to a complaint affidavit, troopers were called to the 600 block of Bedford Street after a woman reported that a shirtless man wearing black athletic shorts had attempted to break into the residence through the basement door.

Less than one hour later, a second woman in the area of Caldwell Avenue and Rex Alley, reported a shirtless man had climbed into the back seat of her Subaru and then got out when she told him to leave.

The man, later identified as Bebout, walked to another vehicle before returning to the Subaru holding a knife.

Bebout allegedly scratched the paint attempting to get back into the vehicle, but a group of bystanders restrained him and took away the knife, the affidavit said.

Bebout was arraigned by District Judge Susan Gindlesperger, of Stonycreek Township.

He was released from the Cambria County Prison, in Ebensburg, after posting 10% of $80,000 bond.

Patrick Buchnowski is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5061.