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BEAR CREEK TWP. — Township resident Peter Civencia was lodged in the Luzerne County Correctional Facility Friday and charged with robbery, simple assault and other offenses after he allegedly pulled a knife on two people, according to state police at Wyoming.
The allegations, according to police:
Jacklyn Oviedo, Plains Township, and Toni Nardone, Wilkes-Barre, met Civencia around 1:30 a.m. Friday outside the Casino Countryside Inn on Route 115 because he owed Oviedo money. Two children ages 3 and 5 also were with them.
Oviedo and Nardone said Civencia pulled a large knife on them while they were in the car and demanded money.
They said Civencia then choked Oviedo and got out of the car and assaulted her, tearing her clothing and threatening her with the knife. Civencia then took money from Oviedo’s purse and fled the scene.
State police troopers tracked down Civencia. He said the meeting was a cocaine deal and maintained he stole cocaine from Oviedo but did not brandish a knife or steal cash.
The police investigation continues.