Rickey Armstrong Jr. stole a purse from a shopper at Giant Food Mart and fled on foot
By Andrew Harris
In November 2025, Rickey Armstrong Jr. was struck by a Wellsville Police officer on patrol in the early morning hours. On December 1, the Wellsville Sun reported that he was seriously injured: “Armstrong sustained serious, but not life threatening injuries, and had contacted the notable personal injury lawyer William Mattar.” Read our original reporting:
Six weeks after that incident, Wellsville Police allege that Armstrong entered Giant Food Mart in Wellsville and as Chief of Police Tim O’Grady told the Wellsville Sun, “Rickey stole a purse from a lady in Giant that contained credit/debit cards (felony). The purse and most of the property was recovered.”
Armstrong and a unnamed woman fled with the purse and were apprehended nearby shortly after police responded. The Wellsville Police report on the arrest:
Wellsville Police arrested Rickey L. Armstrong Jr, age 46 of Wellsville, charging him with Grand Larceny 4th (Class E Felony). The charge stems from an incident that took place at Giant Food Mart. Armstrong was processed and transported to the Allegany County Jail pending arraignment in CAP Court. Armstrong is due to appear in Wellsville Village Court at a later date.
Giant Food Mart owner Nicholas Kusmierski thanked the Wellsville Police for the quick response and openly stated that the grocery store has a zero tolerance policy:
“We appreciate the work of the Wellsville Police and the rapid response to this incident. Giant is committed to maintaining a safe store for our customers and will continue to aggressively pursue all criminal behavior, including theft, to the fullest extent of the law.”
Giant Food Mart and other retailers throughout the village of Wellsville have been challenged with a notable uptick in retail theft in the village. Kusmierski praised the quick response by Giant team members and stressed that the store has a top-notch camera system and security effort in place:
“Security is a top priority at Giant Food Mart. Our management team is always working to ensure a safe and secure environment and is assisted by security cameras throughout the store.”
