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NewsMonday, August 13, 2007 7:58 PM CDT
Police: Man attacks grannies with hammer
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WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- A 41-year-old man stormed a beauty salon and bludgeoned four grandmothers with a hammer, fracturing one's skull, before making off with less than $90, police said.

Thomas Leyshon III, of Mountain Top, was arrested after a daylong manhunt Friday.

The women, aged 56 to 76, did not resist but were beaten anyway, witnesses said. At least one required surgery.

"It takes a coward to go after some old women," said Andy Chopka, grandson of victim Jeanna Chopka.

Authorities allege Leyshon attacked a co-owner of Hairem Family Hair and Nail Care while demanding money from the register and the women's purses.

"This is a completely senseless act of brutality against women who were doing nothing more than spending a day at the beauty parlor," prosecutor David Lupas said. "These are ... the most vulnerable of victims."

Leyshon was being held Saturday on $100,000 bail. It was not immediately clear if he had a lawyer.

The victims were treated at hospitals for head and facial injuries.

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Reader comments on this story - 9 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

TO; WHAT??? wrote on Aug 13, 2007 2:44 PM:

" Would it have been more appropriate to crack jokes if it was $90,000? What does the fact that it was ONLY $90 have to do w/ anything? And I agree with NOW, watch for the ban on this next, after all u got smoking let's save ALL society. "

STP wrote on Aug 13, 2007 1:54 PM:

" I know I am going to hear it. How can you call this person a human after attacking grandmothers??!! That is what outrages me. Where are my morals? An eye for an eye babe, you attack my grandmother and I will give you a what for. "

What?? wrote on Aug 13, 2007 12:56 PM:

" You people just amaze me!! One guy blames it on Video Games, one claims the guy had to grow up in Chicago, one starts sume bull about HOID cards and one complains about the fact she is recognized as old. Do none of you people have any morals at all. There were people hurt in a brutal attackover $90, and you people sit behind your computers and write stupid crap remarks. Get a life and show a little respect for other human beings. "

MEGAMAN wrote on Aug 13, 2007 9:42 AM:

" People never cease to amaze me! "

wait a minute wrote on Aug 13, 2007 7:39 AM:

" just who are you calling old and Grannies? fiftys are nto old. "

Now wrote on Aug 13, 2007 7:14 AM:

" Our Chicago politicians will be working on hammer laws and HOID cards(hammer owners identification). New legislation on the proper use and handling of hammers coming soon background checks a must. Large wicked looking hammers over a certain weight will be banned under the assault hammer laws and screwdrivers are being considered in the ban. "

Normal Guy wrote on Aug 13, 2007 1:30 AM:

" This guy is a true coward! "

I bet... wrote on Aug 12, 2007 8:36 PM:

" ....he grew up in Chicago. "

Telling the truth wrote on Aug 12, 2007 2:40 PM:

" Clearly video games are to blame. Remember that Hammer power-up? "

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