Wanted man got thirsty
Robert Herdelin is no Sam Malone, but like the song made famous by the popular sitcom "Cheers," Herdelin knows all his customers' names.
Robert Herdelin is no Sam Malone, but like the song made famous by the popular sitcom "Cheers," Herdelin knows all his customers' names.
As the owner of Cheers, an Upper Darby bar on Market Street near 69th, Herdelin is famous for running a tight ship.
That was no different Wednesday when he handed a wanted man, who police say was responsible for beating and robbing an 83-year-old man last month in the Gallery in Center City, over to the authorities.
Jason Morgan, 23, was arrested Wednesday after Herdelin saw his "wanted" picture in the Daily News Oct. 13.
"I got a handwritten note from Bob with Morgan's picture attached that said, 'This guy comes into my bar once every two weeks. I will bring him in to the floor and call 9-1-1 and the reward I will give to the Upper Darby Fraternal Order of Police,' " said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Michael Chitwood.
Herdelin's employees were under strict instructions to call him the next time Morgan came in for a drink, Herdelin said.
About 4:30 p.m., one of his employees told him Morgan was back and he immediately called 9-1-1.
"But when I got downstairs, he was gone," Herdelin said.
One of Herdelin's employees followed Morgan to a nearby restaurant and convenience store, with Herdelin close behind.
"He saw me and I guess he knew what was going to happen, so he took a swing at me and I put my left hand up to deflect it," Herdelin said.
"Then I had to body slam him, and to make sure he didn't get away I had him in a head lock before I picked him up and gave him to a police officer," Herdelin said.
Morgan was one of three men who cops say were responsible for beating John Gabel, a World War II vet, in the Gallery on Sept. 10 and robbing him of $50, police said.
Gabel survived the attack and 27-year-old Joseph Peruto was arrested and charged days later for his role in the incident. A third man remains on the loose.
Morgan, like Peruto, faces charges of aggravated assault, robbery and related offenses for his alleged role in the incident, police said.
"I think it's great," Chitwood said of Herdelin's fierce tenacity. "Bob's whole goal is to keep his bar clean.
"This was a bad crime and its always good to get these bums off the street." *
