Cops: Co-owner of Scottdale restaurant accused of stalking, harassment

One of the owners of Wise’s Restaurant, a well-known Scottdale eatery, was charged Tuesday by borough police with stalking and disorderly conduct in the alleged harassment of employees and causing of disruptions at the business since June.

James R. Wise, 61, of Oakdale was arraigned on eight counts each of stalking and disorderly conduct, and one count of harassment, filed by police in connection with multiple incidents beginning June 10 and continuing through Wednesday.

Wise was released on unsecured bond by District Judge Charles Moore pending a preliminary hearing Sept. 4.

Officer Matthew Zelenak reported in court documents that the department has responded to repeated complaints from employees of the restaurant, customers and James Wise’s older brother, Daniel, who is also a principal in the family-owned business at 236 South Broadway.

In addition to allegedly “using profanities, threatening employees to be fired and arguing with owners” in front of other customers, James Wise often text messaged employees at all hours “causing them emotional distress,” Zelenak alleges in court documents

Attempts to reach family members for comment Wednesday were not successful. An attorney for James Wise was not listed in court records.