Authorities say a DuBois couple is behind bars following a pair of armed robberies in Blair County earlier this week.
Police say Amber Herren and Joseph Mazza are accused of robbing the Unique Tobacco Store, located along Valley View Blvd. in Altoona, early Monday morning.
Authorities say the couple was then accused of robbing the Dollar General Store located along Tyrone Pike, approximately two hours later.
Investigators say in both robberies, Herren reportedly entered the store first and made a small purchase.
Police say Mazza would then enter the store, wearing a bandanna and a brandishing a handgun, and would demand the money from the register.
“Give me the money or I’ll kill you,” Mazza reportedly stated during one of the robberies.
Authorities noted that in both robberies, the couple fled the scene in a black Nissan Pathfinder.
Police say a short time after the Dollar Store robbery, the suspect vehicle was stopped along Sky Top Mountain Road in Centre County.
Investigators say troopers seized over $5,000 in stolen cash, as well as a handgun, 9mm bullets, two black bandannas and a pair of black gloves.
Troopers also noted that the couple’s infant child was reportedly in the backseat of the vehicle and was believed to be traveling with them when both robberies were committed.
According to online court records, both Mazza and Herren are being held at the Blair County Prison on various charges, including robbery, conspiracy, theft, making terroristic threats and child endangerment.
Officials say Mazza’s bail was denied and Herren’s bail has been set at $50,000 for each set of charges.
