'Watch your back:' Altoona man threatened to extort, kill local bar owner, police say

Altoona, PA (WJAC) — Altoona Police say a Blair County man is behind bars after he allegedly threatened to kill and extort a local bar owner.

According to the affidavit, 52-year-old Ryan Hollingsworth reportedly visited McGarvey's Bar, located in the Juniata section of the city, and asked to speak with the owner.

Police noted that, according to the owner, the two have known each other for a couple decades.

Investigators say Hollingsworth claimed that the owner had stolen a winning lottery ticket from him, years ago, and used the money to purchase the bar.

Police say Hollingsworth allegedly demanded 30% of the bar's earnings from the owner, otherwise he was going to "blow his head off."

Authorities added that Hollingsworth allegedly told the owner that he had thought about killing him for several years.

Police say the bar owner reportedly forced Hollingsworth to leave, at which time he allegedly told the owner to "watch his back."

Police noted that the bartender reportedly witnessed Hollingsworth threaten the owner.

Investigators say when officers went to speak with Hollingsworth at his home, he reportedly claimed that he only visited the bar to give the owner his business card.

Police say Hollingworth later demanded a lawyer when he was asked to clarify his statement of the events.

According to online court records, Hollingsworth is being housed at the Blair County Prison on charges of extortion and making terroristic threats.

His bail was set at $20,000.

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