State police are looking for a Maryland man who they connected to a carjacking in East Huntingdon that left a family devastated over the disappearance of their dog, Lucky.
The canine was in the Ford Focus police said Kenneth Wilson Crider, 43, is accused of stealing from Lucky’s owner, Willard Martz.
Lucky, a 10-year-old Airedale terrier, remains missing. The car has not been found.
Linda Folino, Martz’ daughter, learned about the charges Wednesday afternoon.
“This is giving us hope,” she said. “Right now, I just want my dad’s dog back.”
Martz parked outside the East Huntingdon Tractor Supply about 8:45 a.m. Monday, leaving a window open for his companion, and headed into the store. Police said Crider came up behind him and grabbed the car keys out of his pocket.
The suspect took off with the car and Lucky inside. Martz, 87, of Donegal Township, was not hurt.
Crider is accused of driving the car to the Dunbar Township Walmart store in Fayette County where state police said he let Lucky out of the car to urinate. The dog was then put back in the car, according to court papers.
Crider went inside the store briefly and then drove the car away, police said. He was charged Wednesday with robbery, theft and receiving stolen property.
The family has posted the dog’s picture on Facebook in hopes that he will be found. They are offering a reward.
Anyone with information about Lucky’s whereabouts is asked to contact Linda Folino, Martz’ daughter, at 412-298-8611. The license plate on the Ford Focus is KVR-6440.
Renatta Signorini is a TribLive reporter covering breaking news, crime, courts and Jeannette. She has been working at the Trib since 2005. She can be reached at rsignorini@triblive.com.