Police Say 21st Birthday Card Helped Them Track Down Theft Suspects
NORTH HUNTINGDON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- A birthday card has reportedly helped police in Westmoreland County track down a suspect wanted in several break-ins and thefts.
Police say 21-year-old Tyler Williams of Hempfield Township is facing a long list of charges, including theft, burglary, receiving stolen property, theft of a firearm, criminal conspiracy and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
A second suspect, a teenager, is facing charges in juvenile court. Also, an 18-year-old woman is expected to be charged as their alleged getaway driver and lookout.
Police were able to track down Williams when a 21st birthday card that was addressed to him was found in a van stolen in one of the incidents.
That theft happened on Rustic Drive in North Huntingdon in the middle of the night back on Dec. 19. Police say Williams and the teen are accused of breaking into an elderly couple's home and making off with more than $58,000 worth of items all when the couple slept in an upstairs bedroom.
"Went to town, took everything they could get, electronics, Christmas gifts," said North Huntingdon Police Sgt. Robert Rizzo.
Among the items were weapons, electronics, wrapped Christmas gifts and the van where the birthday card was later found, as well as a another car. Law enforcement says its concerned about the weapons that were taken.
Police later found the van damaged and abandoned in the parking lot of a business on Route 30, and the car was found in Jeannette.
Other thefts happened in Hempfield Township, Murrysville, and possibly in Fox Chapel.
The investigation continues.
Williams is being held in the Westmoreland County Jail on $50,000 bond.
His preliminary hearing has been set for next week.
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