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Man Accused of Attacking Employees to Get Free Pizza

MONROE TOWNSHIP — Neighbors who live by Papa John’s near Selinsgrove say one man took his case of the munchies too far. He’s accused of hittin...

MONROE TOWNSHIP -- Neighbors who live by Papa John's near Selinsgrove say one man took his case of the munchies too far. He's accused of hitting an employee and throwing a brick late Sunday night, all because he couldn't get his pizza for free.

There's a giant slice of cheesy mouthwatering pizza waving in the wind on the poster outside Papa John's Pizza near Selinsgrove.

It might have been too tempting for Michael Runko from Shamokin Dam. According to a state police report, Runko was drunk when he walked into the business and demanded free pizza.

"Well everybody wants a free pizza. I mean, how can you fault him for that. And besides, depending on what refreshments he had, he probably had the munchies," said Desiree Kramer.

When employees didn't hand over a pie, Runko allegedly ran past the counter and grabbed several pizzas before running outside.

"It's liquid courage. They think they can do what they want, you know? Some people call it liquid stupidity," said Robert Longo.

Longo lives down the road behind Papa John's . According to the owner, that is the area where Runko demanded cash from a delivery driver before punching and then throwing a brick at the victim.

"I believe that if you want something you have to pay for it. Nothing in this world is free," said Longo.

State police say Runko made his way up Chubb Alley where they found him hiding in a bush.

“Yeah, I'm pretty sure he tried to hide back here," said Kramer.

Desiree and Harvey Kramer say the bush where Runko hid is right outside their bedroom window. They heard the commotion when troopers arrested Runko.

"Screaming. Screaming and hollering and carrying on,” said Kramer.

"Besides yelling for his friend Dave, he was yelling for his mom. 'Mom! Mom!' Dumb Kid. He better hope his mom don't come. She'll probably whack him in his head," said Harvey Kramer.

The owner of the Papa John's near Selinsgrove says all of his employees are fine. They went right back to work after Runko was arrested.

Runko faces several charges including robbery and resisting arrest. He is in Snyder County prison.

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