Arrest warrants have been issued for Jayson Garcia, 42, of Tower City, and Paul Gregory Laurusevage, 40, of Mahanoy City, following an investigation into an incident that allegedly occurred on July 31, 2026, in West Mahanoy Township. Both men are charged with robbery, unlawful restraint, persons not to possess firearms, theft by unlawful taking, simple assault, terroristic threats, reckless endangerment, and possession of an instrument of crime.
According to affidavits filed by the Pennsylvania State Police, the investigation began on Aug. 1 after troopers responded to the Budget Inn along West Coal Street in West Mahanoy Township for a reported hostage situation. Upon arrival, investigators determined there was no active hostage situation but began investigating an armed robbery that had been reported by the victim.
Police allege the victim told investigators he had been contacted by Garcia and asked to meet him at a residence in Girardville. After arriving, the victim told police that Garcia and another masked man known only as "Squirrel" pointed firearms at him and demanded money. When he said he had no cash, the pair allegedly forced him into Garcia's brown Dodge Dakota and drove him to the Ashland Food Mart, where they attempted to make him withdraw money from an ATM. Investigators said surveillance video obtained from the store reportedly corroborated portions of the victim's account.
According to the affidavit, after the victim was unable to obtain money from the ATM because his debit card was locked, Garcia allegedly forced him to call his wife and arrange for all available cash at their residence to be turned over.
Police allege that after arriving at the victim's home, Garcia received $3,000 in cash before demanding an additional $5,000 be delivered the following day. Investigators say Garcia later threatened to shoot the victim if he failed to provide the additional money, prompting the victim to contact Frackville Borough Police.
During the investigation, police interviewed several witnesses. One of the witnesses allegedly identified the masked suspect known as "Squirrel" as Paul Laurusevage. Investigators also reviewed Ring doorbell footage from the victim's residence that allegedly showed Garcia arriving at the home and receiving the cash.
Troopers attempted to locate Garcia and Laurusevage at their known addresses but were unsuccessful. Investigators later learned that two individuals matching their descriptions had checked out of the Country Squire Motel in Schuylkill Haven shortly before officers arrived.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jayson Garcia or Paul Gregory Laurusevage is encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at Frackville by calling (570) 874-5300.