Man arrested twice in eight days at same Altoona Sheetz store

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Altoona police said they’ve had to arrest the same man twice in just over a week at the same Sheetz store — first for urinating on the sidewalk, then for theft and trying to start a fight.

Joshua Eckman, 43, was arrested Sunday evening at Sheetz on Chestnut Avenue, near UPMC Altoona, for allegedly trying to steal a Four Loko after they denied selling it to him and then trying to start a fight, according to multiple witnesses.

Police arrived at the store Sept. 8 at around 9:17 p.m. where bystanders pointed Eckman out to them. According to the criminal complaint, a manager at Sheetz explained they denied selling him a Four Loko and then they watched on security video as he put the drink in his pocket in an attempt to steal it.

Eckman then allegedly stood outside yelling and arguing with people, the complaint reads. One witness claimed that Eckman pulled back and swung to punch them but missed. Police noted that another witness confirmed this story.

Police said they tried to detain and arrest Eckman and he began to fight and resist officers. According to charges, Ekcman spit in an officer’s face and used his hands, legs and feet to resist arrest. Police noted at one point he shouted “get the f*** up off me*,” before resisting even further.

According to the complaint, it took multiple officers to get him into a patrol car. When taken to the Altoona police station, he allegedly continued to fight and resist, ultimately needing to be put into a figure four leglock. Police noted it took multiple officers to get him restrained and into a holding cell.

Previously, on Sept. 1, charges were filed when police arrived at the same Sheetz for the report of a man, later identified as Eckman, urinating on the sidewalk. According to this criminal complaint, police said they could tell immediately that Eckman was intoxicated. He claimed he had just been released from UPMC Altoona and was on his way to drug and alcohol rehab. Police noted that he was at an outdoor table with a half-empty Four Loko can in front of him.

While police noted Eckman has no fixed address, a story from January 2023 involving Eckman and Four Lokos revealed he was from Utica, New York.

Eckman was charged Sunday night with aggravated assault, assaulting an officer, witness intimidation, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and lesser charges.

He was placed in Blair County Prison with bail set at $100,000.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.