Man Suspected of Robbing Lansdale Pawn Shop Headed to Trial

The Philadelphia man who allegedly robbed the Lansdale Pawn Shop with a shotgun one year ago this month is headed to trial, according to The Reporter.

Ja'Kwan Emarcus Gardner is charged with first-degree and third-degree felony robbery, felony theft, felony receiving stolen property, possessing an instrument of crime, reckless endangerment, terroristic threats and simple assault in connection with the incident last year. 

According to police, Gardner entered the N Broad Street store shortly after 11 a.m. that day and handed over a note demanding cash and gold. Police said he had a long duffel bag and kept his hand inside the bag.

The owner, who handed over $600 in cash and $28,000 in jewelry, told police he believed Gardner had a rifle, police said.

During the investigation, the owner of the Lansdale Pawn Shop recalled a suspicious transaction several days earlier involving two individuals, one of which was allegedly Gardner.

Gardner had looked at one specific case, which was the case that the owner was ordered to empty the day of the robbery, police said.

Police reviewed surveillance footage and digital records and later arrested Gardner.  Further investigation revealed Gardner had purchased a shotgun the month before the alleged robbery.

Gardner is scheduled to be arraigned on June 18.