A man wanted in connection with an East Huntingdon car jacking was apprehended late Saturday after a police chase in North Carolina.
But Lucky the 10-year-old Airedale terrier, which belongs to the Donegal Township man whose car was stolen, was not in the vehicle, said Nash County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Robert Bowen.
Pennsylvania state troopers have been looking for Lucky and Crider, 43, of Maryland, since they charged him Wednesday in connection with the car jacking. He is now being held at a jail in North Carolina on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing from police, reckless driving and related offenses, Bowen said.
Nash County sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a Ford Focus Saturday around 9:15 p.m. after a report of a suspicious person in the county just east of Raleigh.
The car fled north on Interstate 95, hitting vehicles belonging to the sheriff’s office and highway patrol, Bowen said. No officers were hurt. Crider was stopped about a mile from the state line, he said. Police ran the car’s tags and learned it had been reported stolen.
Crider was treated for minor injuries before being taken to the jail.
He had been on the run from police since Pennsylvania troopers believe he stole a vehicle in Maryland Sept. 22 and led authorities on a chase on the turnpike. He ditched that stolen vehicle and authorities believe Crider likely moved on foot overnight to the Tractor Supply parking lot in East Huntingdon where he set his eyes on Willard Martz.
Martz parked outside the East Huntingdon Tractor Supply about 8:45 a.m. Sept. 23, leaving a window open for Lucky, and headed into the store. Police said Crider came up behind Martz and grabbed the car keys out of his pocket, taking off with the car and Lucky inside.
Linda Folino, Martz’ daughter, said they’re hoping for news on Lucky’s whereabouts.
“We’re taking it as it being two parts of the puzzle, now we need the third part,” she said.
Crider and the stolen car showed up on surveillance video at a Walmart store just outside Connellsville around 10 a.m. Sept. 23. Police said the video from outside the Dunbar store showed Crider let Lucky out of the car to go to the bathroom in the parking lot.
Crider is charged with robbery, theft and receiving stolen property in the Pennsylvania case.
Lucky’s family has been devastated by his disappearance. They have posted the dog’s picture on Facebook in hopes that he will be found. A reward is being offered.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lucky is asked to contact state police at 724-832-3288 or 911.
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.