A West Newton man was arrested Thursday on police accusations that he placed an infant girl in the middle of a borough street after stealing $70 from the baby’s mother, according to court papers.
Nathaniel Scott Bartko, 24, was being held at the Westmoreland County Prison on $50,000 bail.
A warrant for his arrest was issued the day after the July 2 incident. Police said the victim reported that she agreed to give Bartko a ride for $20 to his North Second Street home.
While she used his restroom, Bartko allegedly stole $70 from her and attacked the woman when she tried to get the cash back, police reported. He placed the baby, who was in a car seat, in the middle of North Second Street, which police said is heavily trafficked.
Bartko is charged with robbery, child endangerment and related offenses. He did not have an attorney listed in online court records. A Jan. 14 preliminary hearing is set.
Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Renatta at 724-837-5374, rsignorini@tribweb.com or via Twitter @byrenatta.
