September 30, 2015
Source/Chester County District Attorney's Office
Zachary Hails, of Pottstown, and John Reeves, of Stowe, were charged with assaulting a Korean War veteran during home invasion robbery.
Two Montgomery County men were charged Tuesday in the beating an 81-year-old Korean War veteran during a home invasion in West Vincent Township, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced.
Zachary Hails, 27, of Pottstown, and John Reeves, 24, of Stowe, were charged with robbery, conspiracy, terroristic threats, simple assault and related offenses. They allegedly beat Donald Rehrman, a widower, during the purported home invasion.
“These cowardly criminals targeted an elderly man living alone because they thought of him as a vulnerable victim," Hogan said in a statement. "They terrorized a peaceful and law-abiding citizen to fuel their need for drugs. This was an assault not only on the victim, but on our way of life in Chester County. We will not stand for it.”
Hails, an appliance repairman, previously had performed work at Rehrman's home, Hogan said. After observing where Rehrman kept his cash, Hails allegedly hatched a plot with Reeves to steal the money.
Reeves allegedly knocked on Rehrman's door at 7:15 p.m. on July 26, saying there was a problem with water in the basement. He then allegedly pushed his way through the door, grabbed Rehrman by the arms and demanded the location of his money.
Reeves allegedly shoved Rehrman onto his bed, covered him with blankets and threatened to shoot him if he moved. Reeves then rifled through the bedroom drawers before punching Rehrman in the head and torso, Hogan said. Reeves allegedly ran outside to Hails, who was waiting outside in a vehicle, Hogan said.
The pair, whom Hogan described as drug addicts, allegedly stole $400, a laptop, prescription pain medicine, credit cards and jewelry belonging to the victim's late wife. They then drove to Kensington to buy heroin, Hogan said.
Police determined Hails' vehicle was seen in the area at the time of the robbery, Hogan said. He said cellphone tower information placed the defendants at the victim's house during the robbery and in Kensington afterward.
Hails and Reeves are being held at Chester County Prison on $150,000 cash bail. Their preliminary hearings are slated for Oct. 8.
