Erie man charged in reported armed robbery of 12-year-old, other child - Erie Times-News

ERIE, Pennsylvania — An Erie man is behind bars after police arrested him for the armed robbery of two children, including a 12-year-old, on the city’s west side last week, authorities confirmed.

The incident took place on the afternoon of February 18, 2026, near the intersection of West 8th and Cherry streets. According to the police criminal complaint, a 12-year-old boy and his 10-year-old companion were walking home from a local corner store when they were approached by a man. The suspect, later identified as 29-year-old Derek Vance of Erie, confronted the children and brandished a folding knife.

Vance allegedly demanded the children hand over their belongings. Fearing for their safety, the 12-year-old handed over his mobile phone and a small amount of allowance money. Vance then fled the scene heading north toward Bayfront Parkway.

The children ran home and immediately notified their parents, who called 911. Erie police responded and obtained a detailed description of the suspect. Officers patrolling the area spotted Vance near Gridley Park about 30 minutes after the crime. After a brief foot chase, Vance was taken into custody.

Upon searching Vance, officers recovered the victim's cell phone and a knife matching the description provided by the children. Vance was transported to the Erie police station for questioning and was later charged with robbery, carrying a prohibited offensive weapon, simple assault, and endangering the welfare of children.

Vance was arraigned before District Judge Paul Bizzarro and committed to the Erie County Prison on $75,000 straight bail. A preliminary hearing is set for late February.

"Targeting young children with a weapon is a particularly egregious crime," said Erie Police Captain Greg Grasinger. "We are relieved that the children were not physically harmed and that our officers were able to apprehend the suspect so quickly. It shows the value of immediate reporting and detailed descriptions."