Irwin man accused of talking about ISIS on demo phones at Verizon store

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, Pa. — An Irwin man is accused of causing a disturbance at a Verizon store in Westmoreland County when he began talking about ISIS and claimed to be a part of the terrorist group, police said.

Robert Fleming, 43, is facing charges in connection with the Nov. 25 incident at the Verizon on Magill Drive that prompted the use of a silent panic alarm to alert authorities.

According to a criminal complaint, an employee reported that Fleming was carrying a ski mask and was talking about ISIS, scaring customers. A customer had complained that Fleming was talking about ISIS on demo phones at the store.

When asked to leave the store, Fleming said “he wouldn't leave the store and that he was definitely part of ISIS,” the complaint said. He also said that “he was calling to get his posse to get them” and other Verizon stores.

Fleming eventually left the store, but was later arrested wearing a ski mask at a bar. Police said he made statements about ISIS to officers and had a block, which he said “I want people to believe it’s C-4 explosive,” the complaint said.

Fleming was taken to a hospital under an involuntary mental health committal. Charges of terroristic threats, disorderly conduct and defiant trespass were filed against Fleming.

Cox Media Group