The preliminary hearing for a 19-year-old Altoona man accused of raping a 16-year-old Tyrone girl on June 25 is scheduled for tomorrow.
Arraigning magistrate Fred Miller originally established the hearing for July 2, but because Brandon L. Thompkins did not have legal representation, the hearing was continued to seven days to allow time to find counsel.
Thompkins is represented by Altoona attorney Ted Krol.
Three others, 19-year-old Stephen K. Holmberg of Altoona, 20-year-old Cercia Shovan Johnson of Altoona, and 18-year-old Ashley Pierce of Gallitzin, who were charged with gun possession violations, needed court appointed counsel, had their hearings continued to a later date so the Blair County Court of Common Pleas has enough time to appoint them legal counsel.
According to police, the victim was at a friend’s home and two males were at Mario’s Pizza on Pennsylvania Avenue when Thompkins began conversing with the victim. She told police he wanted her to show him where the bathroom was at her friend’s house so he could talk to her.
Police said once inside the bathroom, Thompkins pushed the girl to the floor, held her arms behind her head and raped her while covering her mouth.
Police were summoned to the area of the crime shortly thereafter and spoke with the victim. She gave him a description of the suspect and said he was in a dark green car and in the company of a man of Asian descent.
While combing the area in hopes of locating the suspect’s vehicle, Tyrone Police officer Greg Ray spotted a vehicle matching the description at Sheetz.
Police discovered four individuals in the car, including Thompkins. A subsequent search revealed three pistols in the vehicle – a Hi-point model 09 9mm Luger, a Hi-Point model C 9mm and a Hi-Point model JCP .40-caliber Smith and Wesson pistol. Two of the guns were loaded and police said none of the occupants were permitted to have such weapons.
When asked to identify themselves, the men gave false names to officers. Thompkins claimed he was Brian Jones and Holmberg claimed he was Adam Shaw.
Thompkins is charged with felony rape, felony sexual assault, felony aggravated assault, felony gun possession and misdemeanor crimes of indecent assault, two counts, and false identification to law enforcement.
Holmberg, Pierce and Johnson were each charged with felony gun possession, possessing an instrument of crime and possession of prohibited weapons. In addition, Holmberg was charged with false identification to law enforcement.
All four are currently lodged in Blair County Prison.
