Former worker armed with knife charged with harassment, trespass at Trafford business

An Allegheny County man is behind bars after police say he entered his former workplace in Trafford with a knife and made threatening comments to workers.

Roneil Rashaud Wright, 28, of Pitcairn is charged with simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment and trespass in the Thursday evening incident at Chelsea Building Products on Commerce Circle.

The company’s human resources director notified Trafford police the following day, indicating the incident was captured on a surveillance system.

According to a criminal complaint filed in the case, company workers told police that Wright, who was last employed there in November, entered the building holding a large military-style knife with the blade facing toward his back.

The human resources official told police Wright allegedly told one employee, “Let me know who you need me to take care of,” according to the complaint.

Another worker told police Wright said to him that “he had murder on his mind all week.” The worker told police he was confused when Wright allegedly said to him: “Who was talking about me and who was talking about Donald Trump.”

Police reported that concerned workers said Wright seemed to be more agitated when they attempted to de-escalate the situation.

Wright had no reason to be at the business, police were told. Workers told investigators that some of them were able to get Wright to exit the building without further incident and then locked all the building’s doors.

One worker told police he feared for his life and the lives of other employees.

Wright was arraigned Sunday before District Judge Joseph DeMarchis in Jeannette and was placed in the Westmoreland County Prison after failing to post $50,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 23 before District Judge Rebecca Tyburski in Harrison City,

Online court records don’t list an attorney representing Wright.