FNN Article © Friday, May 1, 2026. Written with PSP Release & Court Records. (Click on image to enlarge).
CANTON, PA — A Towanda man has been charged after he allegedly admitted to the robbery of the Canton Smoke Shop back on Friday, January 30, 2026.
According to PA State Police, 24-year-old Joseph Ryan Williams of Towanda, was said to have entered the Lycoming Street business in Canton, PA, around 3:00 PM wearing a face mask, black beanie and gold reflective sunglasses. It was stated that Williams allegedly approached the store clerk, demanding money, while placing his handgun on the counter.
The female clerk told State Police that she gave Williams all the cash in the register, which held approximately $367. Next Williams was said to have (allegedly) took multiple boxes of mango and grape-flavored Kratom and then fled the scene.
State Police reported that Williams was able to be identified as a suspect rhrough the store’s video surveillance footage. The video showed the suspect traveling to a residence frequented by Williams.
Williams would end up (allegedly) admitting to the robbery at the store during a police interview he had agreed to have. Police also noted that Williams (allegedly) provided police officers with information as to the whereabouts of the handgun he used during the robbery.
According to court records, Williams was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Ryan Edsel. He was remanded in the Bradford County Correctional Facility in lieu of $250,000 monetary bail, in which he could not pay at the time.
Williams was charged with the following –
* First Degree Felony – Robbery.
* First Degree Misdemeanor – Theft by Unlawful Taking Movable Property.
* Second Degree Misdemeanor – Recklessly Endangering Another Person.
* Second Degree Misdemeanor – Simple Assault.
Joseph Willuams’ preliminary hearing for is set for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM before Magisterial District Judge Allen P. Page III.
FNN has provided courts records.
Williams is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law (although he allegedly admitted to committing the crime).
Click on records to enlarge for easier viewing.
