A 17-year-old male faces felony charges after police in Pottsville allege he used a pry bar to break into a Nichols St. business Monday morning.
The teen is accused of stealing more than $1,000 in merchandise before leading officers on a foot chase.
Police were dispatched to Tobacco Hut at approximately 8:20 a.m. Monday for a report of a burglary in progress. The business owner told investigators he received an alert from the store’s security system regarding a break-in at the back window.
Upon arrival, officers located a male matching the suspect’s description, wearing all black and carrying a purple bag, in the 400 block of E. Railroad St.
According to police, the male fled back toward Nichols St., where he encountered officers in the parking lot of Fish and Beyond pet store. Police say the male dropped the purple bag and ran back toward E. Railroad St.
The teen then attempted to hide in the backyard of a residence in the 300 block of Front St. before being apprehended, police say.
Following an investigation and a review of security camera footage, police allege the male initially attempted to kick in a side door. When that attempt failed, he allegedly found a nearby pry bar and used it to smash a side window to gain entry. Police say he filled a bag with merchandise and exited through the broken window.
Police recovered the purple bag and transported it to City Hall, where they recovered approximately $1,200 worth of merchandise.
The 17-year-old, whose name has not been released, was identified as having prior incidents with police and an active warrant from Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation for absconding.
He is being charged with burglary and criminal trespass, both felonies. He also faces misdemeanor counts of possessing an instrument of a crime, theft, evading arrest on foot, and criminal mischief.
The teen was remanded to the custody of Schuylkill County Juvenile Probation.
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