Just before 10:00 on Monday, September 9, 2019, Newark Police began to receive multiple reports of thefts from vehicles that occurred overnight on Chimney Ridge Drive, East Cleveland Avenue, Prospect Avenue and East Main Street in Newark, according to Lt Andrew Rubin.
Rubin said officers made contact with multiple victims who all reported thefts of items from their unlocked vehicles or reported having their vehicles rummaged through with nothing reported missing. A total of 26 vehicles were found to have been involved in this incident.
In one incident, on Chimney Ridge Drive, the suspect entered the detached garage and removed items from a vehicle inside, according to Rubin. There was no force involved in the entry to this garage. However, in another incident, on East Cleveland Avenue, there was an attempt to enter a detached garage. Pry marks and denting were discovered, however no entry was gained.
Officers reviewed various surveillance video from the area and were able to identify a suspect vehicle involved in the incidents. Officers identified the suspect in the incident as Stephen Evans, 24, of Newark, said Rubin.
On Tuesday a search warrant was executed at Evans’ residence and evidence linking him to these incidents was located, added Rubin.
Later on Tuesday, Evans was taken into custody on an unrelated capias. Evans was transported to Newark Police Headquarters for processing on the capias and new charges related to the burglaries and thefts.
While at Newark Police Headquarters, Evans complained of an illness and was transported to an area hospital by ambulance. While in transport to the hospital, the ambulance stopped for a red light on State Route 4 at Harmony Road. Evans was able to escape from the ambulance, while handcuffed, said Rubin. A Newark Police Officer, who was following the ambulance, engaged in a foot pursuit with Evans and he was taken back into custody within minutes. Evans was taken to the hospital where he received treatment for his illness and was released back to police custody. He was transported back to Newark Police Headquarters where he was charged with the following thirty-two offenses related to the burglaries and thefts from vehicles:
Burglary Second Degree
Burglary Third Degree (9 counts)
Theft Under $1,500 (10 counts)
Tampering with a Motor Vehicle (11 counts)
Criminal Mischief
In addition, Evans was charged with Escape Third Degree and Resisting Arrest for fleeing from the ambulance.
Evans appeared before Justice of the Peace Court #11 in New Castle and was released on a total of $52,200 unsecured bail.
