PA Bank Robber Blames Talking Cat

UNIONTOWN, Pa. (AP) — A southwestern Pennsylvania man who claims he robbed a bank, stole a car and rammed a state police cruiser at the urging of a talking cat has been ordered to spend 2½ to 5 years in prison.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports a Fayette County judge also ordered 51-year-old James Shroyer, of Connellsville, to have a mental health evaluation. Shroyer asked for it at his sentencing Thursday, telling the judge he is still "seeing things and hearing voices."

A criminal complaint indicates Shroyer told police he was urged by the cat to rob the First National Bank in Connellsville. Shroyer eventually rammed a police car, too, telling police that the "cat was telling him to hit the cops."

Shroyer, who pleaded guilty, must also repay $1,572 to the bank.