Patti Zarling

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

MANITOWOC - Two Manitowoc men and two teen-aged girls were arrested after allegedly threatening a learning-disabled man with a knife if he didn’t give them $100 to buy pot.

According to the Manitowoc Police Department, the two girls knew the 30-year-old victim had a learning disability, was cognitively delayed and received disability payments through federal Social Security. The plan was to ask him for money.

The teens met with a 19-year-old Manitowoc man at the Manitowoc Public Library Feb. 1 and discussed ways to take the victim’s money. Ideas included the girls having sex with him while the 19-year-old took his wallet, or by murdering him. They agreed to stab him with a large knife and take the money to buy marijuana.

The trio visited the man’s Marshall Street apartment and asked him for the cash. The victim continued to refuse to hand over $100, and the 19-year-old eventually contacted an 18-year-old man who apparently is a gang member, carries knives and is not afraid to stab someone. He arrived at the apartment about 20 minutes later carrying a large hunting knife in a sheath, which he told officers resembled a bayonet.

The 19-year-old held the large knife to the victim’s side, stomach and throat and threatened to stab him if he didn’t have over the money in five seconds. One of the girls said she wouldn’t help him with his injuries if he was stabbed.

The victim backed into his room in hopes of reaching his phone to call the police. Meanwhile, the 19-year-old grabbed a second knife and held one in both hands. He held the knives near the victim’s stomach, and the victim then gave them $100.

The 19-year-old then put the knives away and grabbed the cash, and the plan was each of the four would get a $25 cut.

The 18-year-old told police he took the large knife to a friend’s house and hid it in under a couch. He said he received a cigarette as payment for his involvement in the robbery.

Police are recommending charges of armed robbery for the men.

Patti Zarling: pzarling@gannett.com; Phone: 920-686-2152; Twitter: @PGPattiZarling