Police quickly capture thief
Uniontown police captured a man accused of stealing a generator and other items from a business Friday, just minutes after the alleged theft occurred.
Officer Chuck David said Daniel Adam Smith, 30, of 162 S. Beeson Ave. was charged before Magisterial District Judge Michael M. Metros with retail theft.
David said the incident occurred at 11:20 a.m. Friday, when police were summoned to the Tractor Supply store on Morgantown Street for a report of a theft of a generator.
David said as he collected information at the store, he relayed a description of the suspect, as well as the vehicle he fled the store in, to other officers who were patrolling the area.
K9 Officer Michael C. Garrow Sr. said other officers working Friday fanned out to cover possible routes from the store after the theft was reported. He said that he positioned his vehicle at a location at the intersection of Morgantown and Fayette streets and that he spotted the suspect, later identified as Smith, drive from Union Street across Fayette Street near the Salvation Army.
Garrow said he was able to stop Smith’s vehicle and take him into custody without incident.
David said that Smith told police that he stole the generator because he didn’t have any money and needed it.
David also noted that officers found stolen tools and dog food in Smith’s vehicle.
He noted that Smith told police he already had taken the generator to his residence.
Officers recovered the generator and returned it to Tractor Supply, David said.
Smith is free from prison after posting $3,500 straight cash bond following his arraignment.
A preliminary hearing will be held at a later date before Metros.