SNYDER COUNTY -- A man from Mifflin County was arraigned Friday for what police call a night of crime.
The man told the judge he tried to rob two stores because he needed money for a bone marrow transplant.
Jonathan Hackenberg, 33, of Mifflin County faces a long list of serious charges, including robbery and burglary.
Police say he used a loaded gun to threaten employees at two stores. He did not get away with any money for his medical condition and told the judge the crime spree was, "a spur of the moment thing that popped into his head."
Hackenberg is accused of trying to rob two stores with a loaded gun. While he did not get away with any money, he faces serious charges including robbery and burglary.
Police say Hackenberg walked into a Dollar General store in Shamokin Dam on Monday night wearing dark clothing and a Halloween mask. According to police, he pointed a gun at employees and demanded money. The employees ran out the front door while Hackenberg left empty-handed out the back door.
After that, Hackenberg was caught by police when he tried to rob Kreamer Short Stop Mart. Police say he pulled out the phone wires and was found with a loaded gun and a note that said, "give me your money, I have a gun."
Hackenberg told the judge the crime spree was, "a spur of the moment thing that popped into my head," and someone told him it was an easy way to make money. He told the judge he needed the money for a bone marrow transplant. Hackenberg says he is currently receiving medical care in Pittsburgh and needed the money for surgery.
Hackenberg told the judge it is important he stays out of jail in order to get his medical treatment. The judge said the court will work with the hospital for Hackenberg's condition but emphasize pointing a loaded gun at innocent people is not the way to get money for a bone marrow transplant.