Latrobe man allegedly angry at GetGo ‘mask wearing’ request cited for damaging merchandise

Paul Peirce | Wednesday, July 8, 2020 2:43 p.m.

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A Latrobe man was cited for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct after he allegedly became angered and damaged merchandise inside a convenience store Thursday when he was asked by a store clerk to wear a protective mask while shopping.

State police Trooper Ryan Ilich reported Jonathan P. Hazen, 37, was cited after the incident at the GetGo in Laurel Mt. Plaza, off Route 30 in Unity, at 1:45 p.m. Thursday.

Ilich alleges in court documents that Hazen destroyed unpaid merchandise “after becoming irate over being asked to wear a mask while inside the store.”

Ilich did not specify what Hazen damaged, but reported the value was less than $1,000.

A manager at the local GetGo store said they could not comment.

Hazen could not be reached for comment and an attorney was not listed in court documents. The two citations were mailed this week by Unity Township District Justice Mike Mahady’s office.

The incident occurred one day after Gov. Tom Wolf signed an order expanding the wearing of masks for Pennsylvanians in all public places to help prevent the spread of covid-19.

A preliminary hearing has not been scheduled.